Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Problems Arise with Zimmer Knee Implants

In recent years, Zimmer Holdings' reputation has taken a nosedive due to their problematic Zimmer NexGen knee replacements.  Doctor Richard Berger, a Zimmer Holdings consultant, actually spoke about this sky-rocketing failure rate of the CR-Flex knee implant.  Berger specialized in the surgical implantation of these artificial knees and originally thought they were revolutionary because of their cementless nature.  However, after seeing their problematic nature firsthand, Berger initiated a formal study on them.

The results of Doctor Berger's study were presented at the annual conference of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and proved to be extremely disturbing to the other doctors.  Some degree of Zimmer NexGen knee failure was reported in over one-third of the recipients, of which nine percent required a complete knee replacement.  Those who did not initially need a full replacement device still suffered from severe pain and swelling, stiffness in the joint, bone breakage, and infection.  Despite all of this, on the verge of dozens of lawsuits, Zimmer refused to acknowledge any defect with the device and also refused to take it off the market.  Dr Berger has advised others that, although the product is still commercially available, it should not be used in any patient.

Zimmer has argued that the failure of some implants is a surgical error.  Zimmer has also tried to hide the failure rates of these specific models (LPS-Flex and CR-Flex) by citing the overall success of the NexGen line. However, it is indeed a malfunction in the CR-Flex and LPS-Flex devices that is causing the knee replacement pain.  The Zimmer artificial knee implant was originally supposed to last up to 15 years but, instead, some models are only lasting for two or less years.  With all of the money, time, and pain spent getting these artificial devices implanted, it is no wonder why so many are contemplating suing for financial compensation.

If you or someone you know has been subjected to these failing implants, you may be eligible to get the financial reimbursement you deserve.  No one should have to go through the pain that this implant has caused so look into what you can do for your health, now and in the future.

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