Texas Exactech Connexion GXL Lawyer

A growing number of lawsuits have been filed by people who suffered pain, hip problems, or needed surgery when their recalled Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Liner failed within a few years.

Need a Texas Exactech Connexion Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured or needed surgery for an Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Liner, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

What is the problem?

Exactech recalled around 90,000 Connexion GXL Hip Liners after numerous reports of the implants wearing out and failing within 3 to 6 years, causing serious pain and requiring another corrective surgery. Hip implants are normally supposed to last between 10 and 20 years.

What Exactech Hip Implants Have GXL Liners?

• Exactech Novation
• Exactech Accumatch
• Exactech MCS

Symptoms of Hip Implant Failure

The Connexion GXL Hip Liner is a plastic part of the hip replacement system that is supposed to cushion the joint. If it fails, the patient may experience symptoms, such as:

• Pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bone loss (osteolysis)
• Unstable hip
• Inability to put weight on the hip
• Abnormal sounds in the hip (grinding, etc.)
• Trouble walking
• Falls

90,000 Patients May Need Another Hip Surgery

Exactech did not remove the Connexion GXL Hip Liners until 2019, when it was replaced with a “new and improved” version called the XLE liner. By that time, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. were implanted with a hip liner that was recalled because it can wear out.

Do I Need Another Surgery?

Exactech does not recommend a preemptive revision surgery for all patients with the recalled Connexion GXL Hip Liner. However, surgery may be necessary for patients who are experiencing pain or other symptoms of excessive wear. Some patients will only need to have the GXL Liner replaced, but others may need an entirely new hip implant.

Exactech Connexion Recall

In June 2021, Exactech issued a Class II Recall for about 89,050 Exactech Connexion GXL hip implant liners due to a risk of wearing out early.

The recalled Connexion GXL acetabular polyethylene liners were used in certain hip replacement systems, including the Novation GXL.

According to the recall, there is a “Risk of edge-loading and premature prosthesis wear is possible in a specific subset of patients with certain implant configurations and surgical implant positioning.”

Studies Linking Exactech GXL Liner With Early Failure

More than 1 year before Exactech recalled the Connexion GXL liners, multiple studies were published by doctors who were concerned about the unusually high rate of early failures. Some of the studies include:

• May 2020 — “Early Polyethylene Failure in a Modern Total Hip Prosthesis: A Note of Caution” — “Exactech Connexion GXL liner may be prone to a high rate of early failure from wear and severe secondary osteolysis. We recommend close surveillance of patients with this bearing surface.”
• June 2020 — “Early failure of a modern moderately cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liner” — “This review of 5 cases of catastrophic early polyethylene wear demonstrates a concerning trend with the use of the Exactech Connexion GXL liner.

Exactech Recalls 140,000 Joint Implants for High Failure Rates

Exactech Connexion GXL hip liners are made of a new type of plastic called ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Unfortunately, there is evidence that it can degrade more quickly than other types of plastic when it is exposed to oxygen.

In 2022, Exactech recalled about 140,000 knee implants and ankle implants due to problems with a similar plastic insert. According to the recall, the plastic insert was packaged in a bag that did not actually prevent oxygen from coming in contact with the plastic. The problem could result in premature oxidization and high rates of the implants failing.

Need an Exactech Connexion Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.