Defective NexGen knee replacements recalled due to safety concerns

Faulty NexGen knee replacement components have been withdrawn from NHS use following concerns from doctors and patients alike due to higher-than-expected revision rates.

Zimmer Biomet, manufacturers of the NexGen products in question, issued a voluntary recall in December 2022, after a number of clinical studies identified that certain combinations of NexGen components had an unacceptably high rate of failure.

While a typical total knee replacement is expected to last 15 years, studies have shown that many patients implanted with NexGen components have required a second surgery within only 10 years. Some studies in particular have identified failure rates of as high as 17.6% at just 5 years post-implantation.

Prior to these outcomes being released, NexGen products were the second most commonly used brand of total knee replacement in the UK and these components were recommended by surgeons worldwide.

Due to their widespread use, there are estimated to be tens of thousands of people in the UK alone who could have been affected by defective knee replacement components.

Fosters Solicitors is currently representing multiple clients who have experienced issues with pain, stability and mobility issues arising from the use of defective NexGen knee implant components.

If you have been affected by the Zimmer Biomet NexGen knee component recall, you may have undergone, or need to undergo, a revision surgery to replace the faulty components. On average, patient outcomes for revision knee replacement surgeries can be worse than those for the initial knee replacement. As such, patients can be left with life-long consequences such as weakness and instability in the knee joint, ongoing pain and loss of mobility.

If you have experienced the following, you may have a claim for compensation:

• New or worsening knee pain following, or in the years after, your NexGen total knee replacement surgery.
• Inability to bear weight on the affected knee.
• Swelling or instability.
• Need for revision surgery.

For more information, please contact Fosters Solicitors’ specialist Personal Injury team on 01603 620508 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

This article was produced on the 19th June 2024 by our Personal Injury & Group Actions team for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.