Zimmer Knee

The NY Times reported earlier this year that a prominent orthopedic surgeon in Chicago had called for a recall of Zimmer NexGen artificial knees and knee replacement components - specifically, the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex replacement knee. Zimmer has blamed the alleged defects and failures of its hip and knee replacements on the surgeon's technique, rather than the artificial joints. 

Disturbingly, many artificial joints -- including artificial knees and replacement hips -- are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) without testing in patients.  Many artificial knees rely on a cement-like adhesive to bond the thigh bone to the portion of the knee replacement that bends. However, many surgeons try to avoid adhesives because the adhesive can break down, leading to device failure. Because of the preference, Zimmer sells an uncemented version of the CR-Flex that relies on the bone to naturally fuse with the knee implant.

According to the Times report, a doctor had implanted the device into 125 patients in 2005. By early 2006, X-rays revealed lines where the implant met the thighbone, meaning the knee implant was loose and not completely fused. Patients were experiencing pain due to the loose artificial joint. Dr. Berger reported the problem to Zimmer, but the company did not have adequate data because Zimmer did not test the device in patients before selling it.

Potential complications include:

• Knee Replacement Failure
• Revision or Replacement of Artificial Knee Device
• Loosening of Replacement Knee Implants
• Knee and Joint Pain
• Difficulty Standing or Walking

When medical device companies won't act responsibility and regulators won't hold them accountable, it is up to patients and the public to demand justice and make sure these defective products don't hurt any more people.