Knee replacement implants from Zimmer Nexgen have been in the market since the nineties. They have largely enjoyed success both at home and in the global market. However, over recent years their latest knee replacement implant has been the bone of contention among many patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery. This has led to some critics calling for a Zimmer Nexgen recall due to complaints garnered from the new implant. Unlike a traditional knee replacement implant, the new implant is not affixed to the thigh bone with cement. Instead, the implant is expected to attach itself to the thigh bone through a process known as natural in-growth. This has caused some discomfort in a small percentage of the patients that have been fitted with this implant and some of them tend to need a second surgery or have the whole implant removed due to it loosening in just a short period of time. These complaints from both the surgeons as well as the patients have hinted at a potential Zimmer Nexgen recall in the near future.

One of the major complaints pertaining to the knee replacement implant that may lead to a Zimmer Nexgen recall is the period of time that it takes to become loose. Some people who have been fitted with it complain of it loosening in less than two years after undergoing their surgery. The loosening of the implant is sometimes accompanied by severe pain which can make life unbearable for the patient. One can barely move their leg without being assaulted by the pain, let alone try and straighten their leg. So how did this product get into the market? The Food and Drug Administration are the ones tasked with approving or disapproving products before they can be sold into the general market. With the Zimmer Nexgen knee replacement implant, there was a fast track that allowed it to get into the market without further testing. This process states that devices that are similar to other devices that have already been approved can be released into the market without any pre-marketing testing necessary.

The Food and Drug Administration state in their defense that this is a process allowed for medical devices so that the industry can continue to improve on their products without having to wait for a long period of time to get full approval. Although the intentions are good, this has proved to be a grievous situation when it comes to the potential Zimmer Nexgen recall as of yet the product still has not been pulled from the market.

It has been recorded that over a hundred thousand individuals have been implanted with the Zimmer knee. The number could even be higher as some people have not yet reported the problems that they may be encountering with the product. For the patients who underwent knee surgery, it is always advisable to consult with your surgeon so as to figure out whether you would be affected by the Zimmer Nexgen recall if it is ever announced. You would also need to get an attorney or a lawyer to ensure that a proper lawsuit is filed on your behalf.

Melvin Frost is the author of this article on Zimmer Lawsuit Knee. Find more information on Zimmer NexGen Recall here.