Harford, P.C. has been retained by a New York client who suffered severe injuries caused by a defective Exactech replacement joint. In August 2021, Exactech quietly recalled all polyethylene liners in knee and ankle implants manufactured in 2004 or later because non-conforming packaging led the liners to degrade and fail early. This led to patients having bone loss requiring revision surgery to have the device removed.
In February 2022, the company expanded the recall to include “all knee and ankle arthroplasty polyethylene inserts packaged in non-conforming bags regardless of label or shelf life,” according the Exactech’s recall notification. Exactech informed surgeons of the recall with a February 2022 Urgent Medical Correction Notice, but never bothered to directly inform any patients.
A petition was filed on June 14, 2022 with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to create a consolidated litigation involving Exactech’s failed and recalled polyethylene inserts in hips, knees, and ankles. The plaintiffs have mostly requested that the litigation be based in the Eastern District of New York. A decision has been yet to be made by the court with respect to the venue of the consolidated litigation.
Many of these devices were implanted in the New York City area because Exactech worked directly with Hospital for Special Surgery in developing them. Accordingly, it is expected that there could be thousands of potential cases arising in the New York City area.
If you or someone you know has been injured by an Exactech device, we are here to help you.
Please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation at (212) 390-8983 and/or scott.harford@harford-law.com.
