Support and advocacy for Louisiana patients injured by defective Exactech joint implants.
Understanding the Exactech Recall
Exactech has issued extensive recalls for several knee, hip, and ankle implant systems due to a critical packaging defect. Devices were sealed in oxygen-permeable bags, allowing air exposure that caused premature oxidation of plastic components. This breakdown can lead to rapid wear, device failure, and the need for corrective surgery far earlier than expected.
Why These Implants Are Failing - Excessive oxidation can cause:
- Accelerated wear of implant liners
- Fractures and material breakdown
- Instability or loosening of the joint
- Loss of surrounding bone mass
- Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
- Full implant failure
Exactech reported that over 80% of knee implants manufactured since 2004 were packaged in defective bags. For many patients, this means a second, more invasive surgery, sometimes years earlier than expected.
