Patients Unaware of the Risks of the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex

Patients Unaware of the Risks of the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex

Over 20 million people in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, and with a continually aging population, the numbers continue to rise. Those who are affected by the condition, which is caused by the deterioration of the ligaments and cartilage that hold together and cushion knee, have to deal with severe pain as the bones within the knee start to come in constant contact with one another. Regular activities become unbearable and the only way to alleviate the issue is to undergo knee replacement surgery, a procedure whereby the knee joint is replaced with a device that helps the patient's knee operate as it once did.

The Warsaw, Indiana company, Zimmer Holdings Inc., is one of the world's largest manufacturers of knee replacement devices. Its cementless NexGen CR-Flex is a popular brand of device, but recently there have been concerns as to its safety. One study suggests that it has prematurely failed in patients at an unacceptable rate. The root cause of the failure has been in the way the cementless version of the product connects to the thighbonethrough natural ingrowth, rather than using an epoxy like many knee replacement devices. This loosening makes it very painful for the sufferer to put any weight on the knee.

This is the second time in just a few years that Zimmer has faced such accusations regarding its medical devices. In 2008, the Durom Cup, a cementless hip replacement system that bonds to the hip in a way similar to the cementless NexGen CR-Flex, was found to be failing prematurely in patients far too often. Zimmer ended up issuing a recall of the device soon after in July of 2008.

Despite the fact that news like this breaks very regularly regarding various models of medical devices, many people do not know the model of device that was used in their respective surgery. It is important that recipients of medical devices stay informed about new developments regarding their particular device and the best way to do this is for the patient to maintain an open line of communication with her doctor after having the surgery. Otherwise, the patient will not be able to ensure the full protection of her rights or her health.

If you have suffered from loosening in your Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex or had to go in for revision surgery, you may have the basis for a Zimmer knee replacement lawsuit. The attorneys at the Rottenstein Law Group are relentless in protecting their clients' rights against big companies like Zimmer and have the expertise necessary to effectively do so.

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