Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by various causes. Knee replacements are common as the knee is the largest joint in the body and having healthy knees is required to perform everyday activities.
Common causes of chronic knee pain and disability are arthritis such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is age-related and usually occurs in people 50 years and up. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the joint becomes chronically inflamed. The inflammation eventually damages the cartilage and causes pain and stiffness. Post-traumatic arthritis is related to serious knee injuries such as tears in the knee’s ligaments which may damage the cartilage over time.
Because of the ongoing need for knee replacement surgeries, many medical device companies have created their own products to get into the market. While many people will have improved mobility after a knee replacement surgery, others will suffer with chronic pain, inflammation, and limping after surgery.
Recalled defective medical knee devices includes the following:
- Arthrex iBalance
- Aesculap Vega
- Exactech Knee and Ankle Recall
- Zimmer Persona recalled non-cemented tibial
- Depuy Synthes SIGMA cemented trochlear partial implants
If your knee replacement system is on this list – or if you aren’t sure what device your doctor implanted during your knee replacement – you should call your doctor.
You may not notice your medical device is failing but here are some signs to look for if you have had a knee replacement surgery:
- Pain in the knee
- Decreased mobility in the knee
- Swelling
- Limping
If you are concerned about your knee replacement device, please contact us for a free consultation with our experienced team.