The Cates Law Firm, LLC, is reviewing cases of individuals who have received a Zimmer brand NexGen CR-Flex© type of implantable replacement knee. Recently, two prominent orthopedic surgeons have called for a recall of the device. The FDA has not issued a recall notice for the Zimmer brand NexGen CR-Flex© type implantable knee device, nor has the company issued a voluntary recall. Numerous individuals, however, have voiced complaints about the Zimmer brand NexGen CR-Flex © type knee after implantation.
What is a Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex© Knee?
Each year, over 100,000 Americans undergo a knee replacement. This process usually occurs due to deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint. Knee replacements utilize hardware to replicate the action of the knee. Typically, these devices are attached to the femus (thigh bone) and the tibia. The Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex © Knee replacement device was created, in part, to offer greater flexion in the recipient’s knee. It was also different from regular knee implants in that it does not attach to those bones using the traditional cement. In addition, it is fabricated with a polyethylene composite and uses a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy. The Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex © Knee was first brought to market in 2003, and since that time, over 100,000 of these devices have been sold.
Potential Problems with Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex© Knee Replacement Devices
The first concerns related to the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex© Knee devices were actually raised by a study performed by Dr. Richard Berger and Dr. Craig Della Valle. Both men are surgeons at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Their study indicated that nearly 10% of those patients who had received a NexGen CR-Flex © Knee device required a knee revision surgery after only two years due to various complaints, including pain and loosening. The study also indicated that almost 40% of the patients who received a NexGen CR-Flex © knee who were examined showed indications that the implant may be loosening. The surgeons concluded that the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex © knee “should not be used in any patient.” What makes this conclusion more emphatic, is that, prior to this study, Dr. Berger was a paid consultant for Zimmer, from which he earned almost $8 million dollars over the course of their relationship. After this study was authored, Zimmer © declined to continue the relationship with Dr. Berger.
Symptoms Associated with Zimmer Nex-Gen CR-Flex© Knee Replacements
The most common failure of the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex © Knee device is the loosening of the device and chronic pain. Other symptoms of failure could include pain in the knee, dislocation, grinding noises, inability to extend or flex the knee, or instability over the knee while standing or walking.
What to do?
Many of the patients who receive knee implants don’t know what kind of implant they have, and don’t know if they may have a claim against Zimmer© for the potentially failed knee device. The attorneys at Cates Law Firm, LLC, can help you determine what kind of knee device you had implanted, and assist you in determining if you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. All initial consultations are always free of charge, and there is no obligation on your part. Simply give us a call at our toll free number, 1-877-455-6376, or use our email contact form to the right.
