Texas Zimmer Knee Replacement Lawsuit – Texas Knee Replacement Lawyer
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Knee Replacements
Knee replacement surgeries are occasionally necessary, but they can also be an optional surgery that will often decrease pain and increase function. They are commonly associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease, and joint trauma, such as from a fall or car accident. A doctor will usually recommend a knee replacement only when the patient is experiencing daily or constant pain, and their mobility has been affected.
There are approximately 600,000 knee replacement surgeries every year in the United States. Experts suggest that the high number is because people are in the workforce longer now than ever before and the increased rate of obesity in our country. Projections for knee replacement surgery are in the millions in just 20 years.
Total Knee Replacement Surgeries
A replacement surgery will resurface the damaged knee with artificial parts. Which type of knee replacement you undergo will depend on various factors including your lifestyle, age, type of injury, and overall general health.
In a total knee replacement surgery, the doctor will first remove any damaged cartilage located on the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). They will also remove just a small section of the bone just underneath the cartilage as well. The implants are then placed on top of the bones and fitted using either a press method, which forces your bones to grow into the implant, or a cement method. Then, the surgeon will implant a button just underneath the knee cap and a spacer between the femur and tibia. These additional implants allow the bone implants to move smoothly back and forth.
Complications and Problems Associated with Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgeries are extremely successful in most situations—up to a 90 percent success rate. However, there are some serious risks with this type of procedure.
- Blood clots
- Implant loosening
- Continued knee stability
- Pain
- Infection
- Implant failure
- Bone fracture
Metal on metal knee replacements also present their own unique risks, including the risk of metallosis, or metal poisoning.
Patients that have knee replacement surgery also need to plan on undergoing physical therapy following the surgery. That may include also using a cane or a walker for a period of time while you recover as well.
In some situations, complications may require that you remove and replace the implant, which can be costly and painful. When complications are caused by manufacturer error or doctor error, then you may be able to assert a legal claim to recoup the costs and losses associated with knee replacement complications.
Certain manufacturers are now involved in lawsuits that deal with the defective production and design of their knee replacement products. These include:
- Zimmer Holdings
- DePuy Orthopaedics
- Smith & Nephew
- Stryker Orthopaedics
- Biomet
If you have suffered complications after a knee replacement surgery that involved any of these manufacturers, you may have a legal claim.