Personal Injury Law

NexGen CR-Flex Knee Replacement Recall Issued By Zimmer

By M. Brandon Smith

Knee Replacements
Knees are a crucial component in daily movement. That is why people often look to knee replacement when they experience knee problems. Not all knee replacements, however, are successful. In fact, recent concerns about the higher-than-normal failure rate of NexGen CR-Flex Knee replacements have prompted many to question the use of the knee device in patients and call for a recall of the CR-Flex Knee. So how long has this been an issue?

Problems With Devices
In July 2010, Senator Charles E. Grassley, requested that Zimmer Inc., the manufacturer of the knee device, disclose its method of tracking the performance of orthopaedic devices after an outside consultant raised concerns about the premature failure of the CR-Flex knee device. He also asked for a list of the safety concerns raised by the Zimmer Inc. consultant, Dr. Richard Berger.

Berger was far from being sold on the knee devices. He questioned the device failures found in patients who received the CR-Flex Knee after he worked to design tools and artificial joints for Zimmer Inc. and has subsequently issued a statement recommending that the knee devices should not be used in any patients.

Study Results
Study results have revealed that femoral components in the CR-Flex Knee implants were found to loosen in 36 percent of patients. In addition, about 9.3 percent of patients with the CR-Flex Knee device were required to undergo a revision surgery two years after the initial surgery. The knee implant has also been found to last for only three years while knee replacements typically last for 15 years.

There have also been side effects associated with the knee replacement. Some of those side effects include:
Knee stiffness

... Infection

... Thrombophlebitis, or the swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot

... Heart attack

... Stroke

... Nerve damage

Additionally indications of a loose knee device involve:

... Knee stiffness

... Knee pain

... Decreased range of motion in the joint

... Difficulty applying weight to the knee

Conclusion
While knee replacements can be helpful, not all are successful. In fact, a knee replacement that doesn't work properly can create additional problems. If you have experienced problems from anineffective NexGen knee replacement you may be able to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is critical to investigate your individual situation and determine your legal rights and our implant lawyers are standing by to assist you in this regard. Call or contact us know if you have questios or concerns about your knee implant.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on March 02, 2011 (boomark / email).