Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen knee replacement system is the second most popular brand of knee implant in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Patients who have experienced adverse effects as a result of the NexGen knee replacement system have sought compensation* for the pain and suffering they have experienced.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a common as well as generally safe orthopaedic procedure that involves replacing the joint in the knee with an implant.
Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen knee replacement system has been a widely used and trusted brand of knee implant in the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, in recent times, it has come to light that this product has a high rate of failure and often has painful or debilitating effects in patients. As a result of this, patients affected by this sought compensation* against Zimmer Biomet for the pain and suffering they have experienced.
What Issues Has Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen Knee Replacement System Given Rise To?
The primary issue with Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen knee replacement system is that it has been shown to cause aseptic loosening of the tibial component in many patients following surgery. This, in turn, gives rise to a variety of issues including:
- Painful joints
- Swelling
- Tissue damage
- Bone fracture or loss
- Infections in the knee area
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Limited range of motion
- Nerve damage
- Limb length discrepancy
- Perioperative complications of revision surgery
As a result of this, many patients experienced premature knee implant failure and had to undergo early revision surgery. Research has shown that the most common cause of revision surgery within the first five years has been as a result of loosening of the replacement.
What Evidence Is There to Substantiate the Issue with the Next Gen Knee Solution?
In the recently published 19th Annual Report from the United Kingdom National Joint Registry, The NexGen Stemmed Option Tibial Component was found to have higher revision rates that the average revision rate of all other total knee replacements in the registry when paired with the LPS Flex or LPS Flex GSF Option femoral components. In particular, the report noted that the NexGen Stemmed Option Tibial Component when combined with the LPS Flex and LPS Flex GSF femoral components had both a higher overall revision rate and revision rate for aseptic loosening.
How has Zimmer Responded To This?
As a result of the issues caused by the NexGen knee replacement system, Zimmer Biomet is conducting a voluntary device recall. Moreover, Zimmer Biomet has offered to cover the cost of a new knee joint. In addition, patients affected by this can bring a case for compensation*.
What Can Patients Seek Compensation* For?
Patients may seek compensation* for the surgical expenses and the permanent disability that the implant has given rise to. However, compensation* can often extend beyond this, and plaintiffs may be entitled to damages for loss of income due to their inability to work, the cost of rehabilitation following the complications, the cost of home care as well as general damages for the pain and suffering that the implants caused.
How Can Homs Assist Help You?
If you are concerned about the performance or failure of your Zimmer Nextgen knee replacement your dedicated medical negligence team based in Dublin , Limerick and Cork can assist you in investigating whether you have grounds for a legal action