Written By : Michelle Llamas
Edited By : Amy Edel
This page features 7 Cited Research Articles
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What Are Exactech Lawsuits?

Exactech lawsuits are product liability claims asking that Exactech pay compensation to those injured by the company’s defective knee, ankle and hip implants. In 2021 and 2022, Exactech recalled its Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Knee and Ankle Polyethylene Inserts manufactured between 2004 and August 2021 because product packaging was not up to specifications. Truliant knee, Optetrak knee and Vantage ankle devices used these inserts.

“The defective bags were missing one of the oxygen barrier layers that protect devices from oxidation, a chemical reaction with oxygen that can degrade plastics over time. Oxidation can lead to accelerated device wear/failure, and component cracking or fracture, all leading to corrective revision surgery,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s March 23, 2023, safety communication.

In June 2021, Exactech recalled some GXL liners used in MCS, Acumatch and Novation hip implants because of premature and excessive wear. However, the company didn’t provide a reason for the wear problems. In August 2022, the company expanded its original recall to include all devices with plastic components packaged in defective bags.

Exactech Lawsuit Settlements

Some lawyers estimate a potential Exactech lawsuit settlement to be between $100,000 to $300,000. This is a projection based on knee replacement settlements from past lawsuits. A claimant could receive a smaller or larger settlement depending on the injuries claimed.

So far, there have been no court-approved Exactech lawsuit settlements. Typically, bellwether trials determine potential settlement amounts. As of March 2023, there were no scheduled trials.

Why Are People Filing Exactech Replacement Lawsuits?

People are filing Exactech lawsuits to get compensation for damages incurred because of potentially defective Exactech hip, knee and ankle implants. They claim Exactech knew these products were faulty but the company still sold them, making it guilty of negligence, among other claims.

Counts against Exactech include:
  • Breach of warranty
  • Failure to warn
  • Fraud
  • Negligence
  • Strict product liability

At least 143,484 potentially defective inserts were implanted in the U.S., according to Exactech’s April 2022 Urgent Medical Device Correction letter. These devices could have put tens of thousands of Americans at risk of early failure after Exactech knee or ankle replacements.

Injuries Claimed in Exactech Lawsuits

Those who received a recalled Exactech implant could face many painful complications. When devices fail early, symptoms may include pain, bone loss and problems with mobility. Sometimes, the only way to correct these issues is through revision surgery.

Degraded Exactech components may result in:
  • Bone loss
  • Component fracture
  • Device failure
  • Difficulty walking
  • Dislocations
  • Early and excessive device wear
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Instability
  • New or worsening pain
  • Noises such as clicking, grinding or popping
  • Revision surgery
  • Swelling

“Recipients of the Optetrak knee implants have required painful revision surgeries well before the estimated life expectancy of the devices, and at a much higher rate than should reasonably be expected for devices of this kind,” according to one Exactech lawsuit filed by Joseph D. Sexton and his wife, Corrine.

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Experiencing serious complications from your Exactech hip, knee or ankle implant?
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Who Can File an Exactech Lawsuit?

If you received a recalled Exactech knee, hip or ankle implant and had to have surgery or your health care provider advised you to have surgery, you may qualify to file an Exactech lawsuit. Check your medical records or speak with your orthopedic surgeon to verify the implant you received.

If you aren’t sure what brand of implant you have, you can request the assistance of a product liability lawyer. Lawsuits include devices manufactured between 2004 and August 2021.

If you suffered complications from the following implants, you may qualify for an Exactech lawsuit:
  • Acumatch Hip
  • MCS Hip
  • Novation Hip
  • Optetrak Knee
  • Optetrak Logic Knee
  • Truliant Knee
  • Vantage Ankle
If you have the following symptoms, even if your surgeon hasn’t advised surgery, you may qualify for a lawsuit:
  • Clicking or other implant noise
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Instability
  • Pain
  • Swelling

Exactech advised doctors to contact patients implanted with recalled devices. But if you haven’t received a call from your doctor, contact their office to schedule a follow-up appointment.

What Should You Do if You Were Injured by an Exactech Replacement?

If you suffered any complications or injuries from an Exactech replacement, schedule an evaluation with your doctor. If you received a recalled implant, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor regardless of any current problems. Some people may not have symptoms even if the device is degrading prematurely.

Your doctor may schedule surgery if the implant is causing problems or has failed. However, the FDA doesn’t recommend surgery for people who aren’t having issues with their implants.

Exactech offers direct compensation to those affected by recalled implants, but signing any paperwork with Exactech may prevent you from filing a lawsuit against them. Before contacting Exactech, speak to a lawyer about your legal rights. Lawyers offer free case evaluations without obligation for people injured by Exactech knee, hip or ankle implants.

Status of Exactech Replacement Lawsuits

As of March 16, 2023, 179 Exactech lawsuits were pending in a federal multidistrict litigation, or MDL, in New York. As of March 2023, there were no scheduled trials.

In January 2023, Judge Marcia M. Henry set a discovery status report deadline. The judge also set a “science day” for May 2023 where both sides can present the science showing why devices are defective and how they caused injuries. Science days include the latest studies and expert opinions.

Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making decisions about your health or finances.
Last Modified: May 9, 2023

7 Cited Research Articles

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  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, March 23). Risks with Exactech Joint Replacement Devices with Defective Packaging – FDA Safety Communication. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/risks-exactech-joint-replacement-devices-defective-packaging-fda-safety-communication
  2. Sexton v. Exactech Inc. (2022, November 11). Complaint and Jury Demand. Retrieved from https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-11-exactech-sexton-complaint.pdf
  3. Exactech. (2022, February 7). Exactech Ankle Patient Letter. Retrieved from https://www.exac.com/product/exactech-ankle-patient-letter/
  4. Exactech. (2022, February 7). US Recall Information, Knee/Ankle. Retrieved from https://www.exac.com/medical-professionals/recall-information/
  5. Exactech. (2022, February 7). Exactech DHCP Letter. Retrieved from https://www.exac.com/product/exactech-dhcp-letter/
  6. Exactech. (2022, February 7). Frequently Asked Questions: Knee and Ankle Recall. Retrieved from https://www.exac.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Exactech-Knee-and-Ankle-FAQ.02.07.2022_Letterhead.pdf
  7. Exactech. (2021, June 24). FAQ – GXL Liners for Novation, Acumatch and MCS Systems. Retrieved from https://www.exac.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Frequently-Asked-Questions-FAQs-for-US-Agents-Surgeons_FINAL_GXL.pdf