Lawyers are now helping patients who’ve experienced problems with their DePuy Attune knee replacement file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The Attune knee implant has been used in more than 400,000 procedures since the FDA approved it in 2010, making it one of the most popular systems on the market. However, reports now show it can experience early failure or de-bonding, requiring painful revision surgery years before the typical lifespan. While there is no official DePuy knee replacement recall, the company has changed the design and is offering a knee replacement system for revision surgeries.
De-bonding occurs when the glue that holds the implant to the patient’s upper or lower leg becomes detached. In the case of the Attune knee, this is due to a questionable design whereby the surface of the implant is smoother than normal, making adherence difficult.
According to the FDA’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, more than 1,400 patients have experienced failure problems with their DePuy Attune knee replacement. Of these, more than 650 required repeat surgery.
In addition, a study in the June issue elayed doctors’ specific concerns at the high rate of Attune knee failures. For example, a review found 15 cases of tibial loosening at just three area hospitals, plus 21 cases of detachment filed with the FDA in a span of just 2 months.
Most knee replacement implants are designed to last from 12 to 20 years. For a procedure requiring up to 5 days of hospital stay and as long as 1 year for full recovery, early failure and the need for repeat surgery can be devastating.
Lawyers are focusing on cases for those patients that experienced early failure, de-bonding or loosening of their knee implant. This includes anyone who has undergone early revision surgery for their implant. However, many people may have suffered these complications without even knowing it.
For example, in the June 2017 Journal of Knee Surgery report, doctors discussed 15 cases of Attune de-bonding. However, in 13 of these cases, doctors didn’t discover this was the reason their patients experienced discomfort until they performed surgery. In only 2 of the cases did the de-bonding show up on x-rays.
Although patients may not know the full extent of their problems without an x-ray or surgery, there are certain side effects they can look for that may signal a knee implant failure.
These include:
To know for sure if you’ve suffered implant de-bonding and whether you qualify for a lawsuit, you must first notify your doctor of your symptoms and try to determine the cause. It is important to then speak with a lawyer who will thoroughly review your records and file a claim.
Fortunately, it costs nothing to investigate your case or file a lawsuit unless you later receive an award.
If you’ve already undergone revision surgery for a loosened implant or need it in the future, your lawyer will seek compensation for:
All together, these damages can add up to significant amounts. In the past, verdicts and settlements for knee replacement lawsuits have reached well into the six figures.
The value of your lawsuit will depend on a number of factors; therefore it’s important to discuss your case with a lawyer.
Latest news on DePuy Attune knee implant.
Lawyers expect thousands of claims for Attune de-bonding will likely be filed as more patients find out the cause of their knee implant problems.
As was the case with medical device lawsuits in the past for products like Stryker hip, Zimmer knee and DePuy hip implants, these claims will end up in specialized multidistrict courts.
In addition, these cases are fought against powerful companies like Johnson & Johnson/DePuy who will claim that their product is safe and resist paying damages unless forced to do so.
Because of this, it’s important to hire a lawyer with substantial experience in these types of cases. Our DePuy Attune lawyers have handled thousands of similar cases against drug and medical device companies, and will work to make sure you are properly compensated.
Your attorney will also come visit you in person and attempt to handle everything in your case remotely, so that you can focus on recovery without the hassle of an ongoing lawsuit. Best of all, it costs you nothing to file a case unless you win.
Contact us today to speak directly with a DePuy Attune knee lawyer at no cost.
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