Zimmer NexGen Knee Implant Hazard Alert in Australia

July 9, 2014 — The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a hazard alert for the NexGen Complete Knee Solution, a knee replacement manufactured by Zimmer.

Zimmer is currently facing about 1,000 product liability lawsuits involving components of the NexGen knee replacement.

The product is designed with a tibial baseplate that has a threaded hole into which a drop-down stem extension or stem plug can be screwed.

Unfortunately, a manufacturing defect left faulty threads in some devices manufactured before April 3, 2014. This could prevent proper installation of the drop-down stem extension. This could potentially lead to loosening or failure of the knee implant.

Health issues linked to the problem include:

• Additional bone loss if the implant is cemented in place before the issue is discovered, requiring the implant to be removed and replaced.
• Early revision surgery due to loosening and/or infection.
• Thread misalignment may prevent the articular surface from fully locking, resulting in dislocation.

The issue affects 44 devices that were implanted between May 2010 and April 2011.

In 2010, Zimmer issued a Class II recall for the Zimmer NexGen Complete Knee Solution MIS tibial components, including the locking screw and stem extensions. At the time, over 68,000 products were sold worldwide and the company had 114 adverse event reports involving loosening of the device. Patients needed additional surgery to remove and replace the implant.

Need a Texas NexGen Knee Replacement Lawyer?

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 Texas NexGen knee replacement lawyers for a free lawsuit review.