Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement Recall Claims

Founded in 1927, Zimmer Biomet designs components for replacement joints including the knee and hip. The company is the largest knee implant manufacturer in the world, having sold over 3 million NextGen knee implants since 1995. Although the NexGen implants were popular and effective, in 2001 they began distributing a new model of High Flex NexGen implants. There have been many hundreds of complaints and lawsuits in relation to this model which has loosened during use causing increased pain, premature knee implant failure, and expensive revision surgery.

There has been multiple Zimmer NexGen knee replacement recalls over the years. In January 2016, 42,064 units were recalled due to packaging-related issues. In May 2016, over 10k units of the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate Knee implants were recalled due to implant loosening. 15k units were recalled in January 2017 following mislabeling and packaging problems. The following month, 28k Zimmer Biomet polyethene joint components were recalled due to elevated endotoxin levels. An unspecified number of Zimmer Biomet implants were recalled in 2020 when samples were found to exceed the FDA-adopted standard for endotoxin levels. Recent lawsuits relating to a Zimmer NexGen knee replacement recall include a plaintiff in Georgia who claims the medical device “sheared” inside his knee.

Studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and British Medical Journal (BMJ) have identified multiple issues with metal-on-metal devices. One of the most notable issues, identified by the BMJ, is a much higher rate of revision therapy compared to metal-on-polyethene implants. This contradicts many manufacturers’ claims of increased durability by using metal-on-metal components. Studies have also shown that metal-on-metal products increase the chances of joint dislocation and increase the concentrations of metallic ions within the bloodstream.

Individuals who have brought lawsuits against Zimmer Biomet have successfully sought compensation for surgical expenses, permanent disability directly caused by the implants, lost income due to inability to work, the cost of rehabilitation, the cost of home care, and general compensation for pain and suffering.

If you have been fitted with a Zimmer NexGen device, and you have suffered as a result of this implant, it is possible that you have grounds for bringing a claim against this manufacturer. To start this process, please get in touch with our specialist medical negligence solicitors today to discuss your case.

If you are currently experiencing issues with a Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement System, or you have already had a defective knee system replaced, get in touch with our specialist solicitors today to gather more information about your options for bringing a case. Call us on 1800 390 555 and an experienced member of staff will discuss your situation and potential next steps. You can also email on info@mccarthy.ie and we will get back to you as soon as we can.