The Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee system was originally advertised as a better alternative to original knee replacement systems. It was supposed to offer the patient better flexion and help them return to full physical activity. Unfortunately, the Zimmer NexGen knee has been found to fail earlier than expected, leaving many patients with no option but to replace the knee after only a couple years.
Was There a Zimmer Knee Recall?
In 2010, Dr. Richard A. Berger, a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon, reported the results of his study on the Zimmer NexGen CR Flex knee. Out of the 100 patients followed, over 8 percent required revision surgery. The scientists indicated that they expected this number to rise, as 36 percent of the patients showed signs of loosening in the knee implant. The conclusion of the study was that the Zimmer knee had a high rate of early failure.
Yet despite the findings, the FDA has not yet implemented a Zimmer knee recall. The company itself issued a small Zimmer knee recall in 2010, but only for a few components that were allegedly packaged with inadequate surgical instructions. On the whole, the company continues to defend its Zimmer NexGen knee as a successful knee replacement option.
Studies Lead Patients to File a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit
In addition to Dr. Berger’s study, other studies illuminated problems with the Zimmer NexGen knee system. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 38 percent of patients experienced premature loosening an average of 32 months after implantation. Twenty-one percent of those had to go through revision surgery.
These studies and more alerted physicians and the public to the potential complications with Zimmer NexGen knees, and led many patients to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit. Most claim that Zimmer failed to properly research and test the Zimmer NexGen knee device, and that in fact the implant is defective and should be recalled.
Victims of Early Failure Contact a Zimmer Knee Lawyer
Victims who allege problems with the Zimmer NexGen CR may want to contact a Zimmer knee lawyer to determine their eligibility for a Zimmer knee lawsuit. Problems that may win compensation in a court of law include early loosening, complete knee replacement failure, and revision or replacement of the artificial knee device.
On August 8, 2011, each Zimmer knee lawyer with a federal Zimmer knee lawsuit had his or her case transferred to multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois. Twenty-eight cases were originally transferred, but it is expected that many more will soon join the MDL.
You May be Eligible for a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury as a result of the Zimmer NexGen CR knee device, you may want to talk to a Zimmer knee lawyer about your potential eligibility for compensation in a Zimmer knee lawsuit. Contact Chaffin Luhana LLP today for a confidential case evaluation at 1-888-480-1123.
Trademark Notice: The use of the terms Zimmer®, Zimmer® NexGen®, Zimmer® MIS, Zimmer® NexGen® LPS-Flex, Zimmer® NexGen® GSF-Flex and Zimmer® NexGen® CR Flex are strictly for identification purposes in attorney advertising. They are registered trademarks of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. Chaffin Luhana, LLP is in no way affiliated with Zimmer Holdings, Inc.
