DePuy Knee Replacement Fracture Information

If you have suffered a DePuy knee replacement fracture, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, permanent injuries, and more. DePuy Orthopedics and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have 10 received reports of this device fracturing or loosening during normal walking activities. Unfortunately, a DePuy knee replacement fracture can cause loss of mobility, amputation of the limb, infection, compromised soft-tissue, and more.

BREAKING NEWS: Class 1 DePuy LPS Implant Recall

August 1, 2013 — DePuy has recalled another component of the Limb Preservation System (LPS) — the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary component can fracture under normal loads. Click here to read more.

DePuy Knee Replacement Fracture

The Johnson & Johnson subsidiary company DePuy Orthopedics Inc. has recalled the LPS knee replacement because it may be prone to fracture, loosening, and premature failure. The company has received 10 reports of problems with the device, including 6 reports of knee replacement fracture, and 4 reports of loosening (which may or may not be related to the same defect). If you decide to file a DePuy knee replacement lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit, you could potentially recover compensation for your injuries — and more.

Symptoms of a Knee Replacement Fracture

People who suffer a DePuy knee replacement fracture typically experience sudden, excruciating pain. The knee will quickly become swollen and tender, and patient will not be able to move without pain, extend the leg, or walk on the knee.

Symptoms of DePuy knee replacement fracture include:

• Pain in the knee
• Abnormal appearance of the knee
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Discoloration of the knee
• Instability or loosening of the knee
• Abnormal sounds in the knee (clicks, pops, grinding or scraping sound)
• Bleeding (in some cases)

What Causes DePuy Knee Replacement Fracture?

DePuy knee replacement fractures are caused by a flawed component of the Limb Preservation System (LPS) knee replacement, which may not be strong enough to support a patient’s weight during normal gait activities. The LPS System is a line of knee replacements that includes the recalled product:

• LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve: This “sleeve” is fitted on the patient’s femur, and attaches the femur to the the knee implant with a tapered connection point.

Unfortunately, a weak joint between the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve and the Diaphyseal Sleeve Base can cause the device to fracture or loosen during normal walking activities.

Complications of Knee Replacement Fracture

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that the complications of knee replacement fracture can be life-threatening or even deadly. The recall was announced in a Safety Communication published in February 2013, in which the FDA warned:

“There is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Complications of knee replacement fracture include:

• Pain and suffering
• Infection
• Loss of leg function
• Amputation of the leg
• Permanent decreased mobility
• Soft-tissue damage
• Death

Knee Replacement Fracture Diagnosis and Tests

A doctor will likely diagnose a DePuy knee replacement fracture based on the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. However, further tests will be necessary to evaluate soft-tissue and/or bone damage. Non-invasive imaging tests include:

• X-ray: This uses high-energy radiation to produce an image of bones, muscles, soft tissues, and cavities in the body.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This produces a much clearer 3D image of the knee than an X-ray, including soft tissue and bone.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This uses a series of X-rays to create a 3D image of the knee.

Treatment for a Knee Replacement Fracture

If a knee replacement fractures, revision surgery will be necessary to remove and replace the defective implant. Revision surgery can be expensive, debilitating, painful, and may require months of recovery time. DePuy does not recommend routine revision surgery for patients who have one of the recalled knee replacements. Only patients with symptoms of loosening or fracture are potential candidates for revision surgery.