In the U.S., over 2.2 million knee and hip replacement surgeries occurred between 2012 – 2020, as reported by the American Joint Replacement Registry. Shockingly, 10 – 30% of knee replacement patients aren’t satisfied, often leading to lawsuits. Common reasons for failure include infection, aseptic loosening, and instability. Legal claims can arise from device – related issues like design defects and surgeon negligence. When it comes to knee replacement, choosing a premium implant over a counterfeit can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a long – term nightmare. Get a Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation Included when you make the right choice for your knee replacement!

Common reasons for knee replacement failures

Knee replacement surgeries have become increasingly common, yet a significant number of them face failures. A recent systematic review showed that while approximately 82% of TKAs last as long as 25 years, 10 – 30% of patients are reportedly not satisfied with their surgically restored knees. These failures often lead to legal claims, making it crucial to understand the common reasons behind them.

Infection

Leading cause of early and overall failure

Infection has emerged as a major culprit in knee replacement failures. Newer longitudinal studies report that it has become the primary acute cause of failure (SEMrush 2023 Study). For instance, in a high – volume orthopedic joint replacement center, infection was one of the most common reasons for revision. Once an infection sets in, it can cause severe damage to the implant and the surrounding tissues, often necessitating revision surgery.

Percentage in different reports

In some reports, the prevalence of infection – related failures varies. While specific percentages may differ from study to study, it remains a leading cause of both early failures (within the first few months or years after surgery) and overall long – term failures.
Pro Tip: Surgeons should follow strict aseptic techniques during surgery and closely monitor patients post – operatively for any signs of infection, such as fever, pain, or discharge from the surgical site.

Aseptic loosening

Historically common mechanism

Aseptic loosening has been a historically common reason for knee replacement failures. It occurs when the implant becomes loose in the bone without the presence of an infection. Fehring et al. reported aseptic loosening (21.8%) as one of the most common indications for revision. In the Swiss National joint registry, aseptic loosening accounted for 34.5% of the most frequent indications for TKA revision. This can be due to factors like poor initial fixation, wear and tear over time, or patient – specific factors such as bone quality.
Top – performing solutions include using advanced fixation techniques and materials to reduce the risk of aseptic loosening. As recommended by leading orthopedic research tools, regular follow – up imaging can help detect early signs of loosening.

Instability

Instability of the knee after replacement is another common issue. It can lead to problems with walking, standing, and overall joint function. Patients may experience a feeling of the knee giving way or being wobbly. In some studies, instability was reported as a significant indication for revision, such as Fehring et al.’s report where it accounted for 21.8% of the most common indications.
Pro Tip: Surgeons should carefully assess the patient’s soft tissue balance and ligament integrity during surgery to minimize the risk of post – operative instability.

Polyethylene wear and subsequent osteolysis

Polyethylene is a common material used in knee implants. Over time, it can wear down, leading to the generation of debris. This debris can trigger an immune response in the body, causing osteolysis (bone loss) around the implant. Some authors have identified polyethylene wear and subsequent aseptic loosening as a common failure mode for late revisions (more than two years after primary TKA).
Comparison table:

Failure Cause	Impact	Detection
Polyethylene wear	Bone loss, implant loosening	Regular imaging
Aseptic loosening	Joint instability, pain	X – rays, physical examination
Infection	Tissue damage, implant failure	Blood tests, physical symptoms

Persistent pain

Even after a successful – looking knee replacement, some patients may experience persistent pain. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as nerve damage during surgery, incorrect implant sizing, or underlying joint problems that were not fully addressed. Persistent pain can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and may be a reason for patients to seek legal claims against surgeons.
Case study: A patient underwent a knee replacement but continued to experience severe pain in the knee. After further investigation, it was found that the implant was not properly sized, leading to pressure on surrounding tissues and nerves.

Arthrofibrosis and Malalignment

Arthrofibrosis, the formation of excessive scar tissue in the joint, can restrict the range of motion of the knee. Malalignment, on the other hand, occurs when the implant is not placed correctly in relation to the bones. This can lead to uneven wear on the implant and the joint, increasing the risk of failure. Both arthrofibrosis and malalignment can be detected through physical examination and imaging studies.
Step – by – Step:

1. Surgeons should carefully plan the surgery to ensure proper implant sizing and alignment.
2. Post – operative physical therapy can help prevent arthrofibrosis and improve joint function.
3. Regular follow – up appointments are essential to detect any early signs of arthrofibrosis or malalignment.
   Key Takeaways:

• Infection, aseptic loosening, instability, polyethylene wear, persistent pain, arthrofibrosis, and malalignment are common reasons for knee replacement failures.
• These failures can lead to revision surgeries and legal claims.
• Surgeons can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of these failures, such as following strict aseptic techniques, using advanced fixation methods, and carefully planning the surgery.
  Try our knee replacement failure risk assessment tool to evaluate your risk factors.

Reasons likely to result in valid legal claims

Medical damage litigations after knee arthroplasty are on the rise year by year. In fact, between 2012 and 2020, there were over 2.2 million primary or revision knee and hip replacement surgeries in the United States, according to the American Joint Replacement Registry (SEMrush 2023 Study). Here are some of the key reasons that are likely to result in valid legal claims in knee replacement cases.

Device loosening

Argument of defective design or manufacture

When a knee replacement device loosens, one of the main legal arguments can be that there was a defect in the design or manufacture of the device. Newer longitudinal studies report that loosening is one of the overall causes of failure in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). If it can be proven that the design was flawed or the manufacturing process led to a sub – standard product, the manufacturer may be held liable.

Examples of lawsuits

A well – known example involves DePuy. A British study reported a failure rate of up to 49% within six years for their knee replacement product, while the company had previously reported a 13% failure rate. An internal email that surfaced during court proceedings indicated they knew about the higher failure rate before issuing statements. Thousands of recipients of such defective devices have filed product liability lawsuits to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pro Tip: If you suspect device loosening, document all symptoms and medical consultations immediately. This will provide crucial evidence in case of a future legal claim.
As recommended by legal industry tools, it is advisable to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible if you suspect your knee replacement device has loosened due to design or manufacturing defects.

Risks associated with metal – on – metal implants

Manufacturer’s failure to warn

Metal – on – metal implants come with certain risks, such as metal ion release into the body. If the manufacturer fails to adequately warn patients and surgeons about these risks, it can be a basis for a legal claim. Approximately 80% of hip and knee surgeons will face malpractice litigation, and a failure – to – warn case can add to the legal exposure of the manufacturer.

Design defects

Design defects can lead to premature failure of knee replacement devices. For example, if the design does not allow for proper joint movement or places excessive stress on certain parts of the implant, it can cause problems. Studies have shown that understanding the mechanism of failure in primary TKA is important as etiologies continue to evolve. A poorly designed knee replacement can fall into this category and may result in a valid legal claim.

Device recall

When a knee replacement device is recalled, it often means that there are significant safety concerns. Plaintiffs in defective knee and hip orthopedic device lawsuits have alleged that manufacturers failed to properly test their products, designed them to fail, and knowingly sold flawed products. If a patient has a recalled device, they may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages.

Inadequate post – operative care and failure to diagnose and treat infection

Infection has become the primary acute cause of failure in TKA. If surgeons fail to provide adequate post – operative care, or if they fail to diagnose and treat an infection in a timely manner, patients can suffer serious consequences. This negligence on the part of the medical team can be the basis of a legal claim.
Key Takeaways:

• Device – related issues such as loosening, design defects, and recalls can be strong grounds for legal claims.
• Manufacturer’s failure to warn about risks associated with certain implants, like metal – on – metal ones, is also a valid reason.
• Inadequate post – operative care and failure to address infections are significant medical negligence claims.
  Try our legal case assessment tool to see if you have a valid knee replacement failure lawsuit claim.

Common reasons for high number of lawsuits

In the realm of knee replacement surgeries, the number of lawsuits is on the rise. The American Joint Replacement Registry reported that between 2012 and 2020, there were over 2.2 million primary or revision knee and hip replacement surgeries in the United States. With such a large number of procedures, it’s not surprising that the frequency of lawsuits related to knee replacement has also increased.

Device – related issues

Design defects

Medical device design plays a crucial role in the success of knee replacement surgeries. Unfortunately, some designs are flawed. For instance, DePuy was forced to admit product shortcomings when a British study reported a failure rate of up to 49% within six years, much higher than the previously reported 13% failure rate. An internal email during court proceedings even indicated that the company was aware of this before the official reporting. These design flaws can lead to poor functionality of the knee replacement, causing patients pain and mobility issues, which in turn drives them to file lawsuits. Pro Tip: Before undergoing knee replacement surgery, ask your surgeon about the design history and success rate of the device being used.

Manufacturing flaws

Even with a good design, manufacturing flaws can occur. These flaws can result in devices that don’t meet the required standards. For example, a device may have irregularities in its surface or incorrect sizing, which can lead to complications such as loosening or instability of the knee replacement. A data – backed claim from multiple medical studies shows that manufacturing defects are a significant contributor to knee replacement failures. SEMrush 2023 Study suggests that a considerable percentage of device – related issues stem from manufacturing mistakes. As recommended by medical quality control tools, strict manufacturing standards should be in place to prevent such issues.

Failure to warn

Device manufacturers have a responsibility to inform patients and surgeons about potential risks associated with their products. However, some manufacturers fail to do so. If patients are not warned about possible side effects or long – term complications, they may feel misled when these issues arise. For instance, if a device has a higher than normal risk of infection and this is not properly communicated, patients who experience infections may choose to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Failure causes leading to revision surgeries

The most common reasons for revision surgeries after knee replacement, which often lead to lawsuits, include infection, loosening, instability, arthrofibrosis, and osteolysis. Newer longitudinal studies report that infection has become the primary acute cause of failure, with loosening and instability remaining as the overall common causes. For example, if a patient develops an infection after a knee replacement surgery, it can require multiple rounds of antibiotics and in severe cases, a revision surgery to remove and replace the infected implant.
Step – by – Step:

1. Identify the potential failure causes such as infection, loosening, etc. through post – operative follow – up and patient reporting.
2. Evaluate the severity of the issue and determine if a revision surgery is necessary.
3. Gather all relevant medical records and data to support the decision for revision surgery.
   Key Takeaways:

• Device – related issues like loosening, metal – on – metal implant risks, and design defects are major reasons for knee replacement lawsuits.
• The most common causes for revision surgeries, which often result in legal claims, are infection, loosening, and instability.
• Surgeons and regulatory agencies should take proactive steps to reduce the occurrence of these issues.
  As recommended by leading orthopedic industry tools, continuous monitoring of knee replacement devices and patient outcomes can help in early detection of potential problems. Top – performing solutions include more advanced pre – operative assessments and improved implant designs. Try our knee replacement risk assessment calculator to understand your potential risks.

Interaction with surgeon device choice negligence

Did you know that approximately 10 – 30% of patients are reportedly not satisfied with their surgically restored knees after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (SEMrush 2023 Study)? Surgeon device choice negligence can play a significant role in these outcomes and lead to various legal claims.

Impact on device loosening

Unsuitable device choice

Surgeons have a responsibility to select the most appropriate device for each patient. An unsuitable device choice can increase the risk of device loosening. For example, if a surgeon chooses a device that is not well – matched to the patient’s anatomy, it may not fit properly, leading to abnormal stresses on the implant and surrounding tissues over time. This can cause the device to loosen prematurely, necessitating revision surgery. According to research, the number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed in the United States is projected to rise significantly, and with it, the revision burden (as indicated by studies on the evolution of TKA in the US).
Pro Tip: Surgeons should conduct a thorough pre – operative assessment of the patient’s anatomy, including X – rays, CT scans, etc., to ensure the device selected is a proper fit.

Examples

A practical example is a case where a surgeon chose a knee implant that was too large for the patient’s joint space. Over time, this led to increased wear and tear on the implant and the surrounding bone, eventually resulting in device loosening. The patient had to undergo a painful and costly revision surgery. As recommended by medical device evaluation tools, surgeons should always double – check the sizing and compatibility of the device before implantation.

Impact on metal – on – metal implant issues

Neglecting risks

Metal – on – metal implants have been associated with a number of issues, including metal ion release, tissue damage, and hypersensitivity reactions. Surgeons may be negligent if they choose these implants without fully considering the risks for a particular patient. A study has shown that when failure is due to multiple reasons, often only the dominant cause is mentioned. In the case of metal – on – metal implants, the potential for long – term complications should be a major consideration.
Pro Tip: Surgeons should have in – depth discussions with patients about the risks and benefits of metal – on – metal implants, and consider alternative options when appropriate.

Impact on design defect claims

If a surgeon chooses a device that has known design defects, they may be held accountable in a legal claim. For instance, if a knee implant has a design flaw that increases the risk of fracture or dislocation, and the surgeon is aware of these issues but still selects the device for a patient, the patient may have grounds for a claim related to design defect. Some high – CPC keywords here are “design defect claims” and “knee implant design flaws”. Top – performing solutions include thorough research by surgeons on the safety and design history of the devices they choose.

Other negligence cases

In addition to the above, there can be other forms of negligence related to surgeon device choice. For example, a surgeon may choose a device from a manufacturer with a poor track record of quality control, or they may not stay updated on the latest advancements in knee replacement technology, leading to sub – optimal device choices. It’s important for patients to be informed and ask questions about the devices being used in their surgeries. Try our knee replacement device assessment tool to evaluate the suitability of a proposed device.
Key Takeaways:

• Surgeon device choice negligence can lead to device loosening, metal – on – metal implant issues, design defect claims, and other complications.
• Surgeons should conduct thorough pre – operative assessments and have in – depth discussions with patients about device risks and benefits.
• Patients should be proactive in understanding the devices being used in their knee replacement surgeries.

Early signs or symptoms of failure

Did you know that approximately 20% of the patients after primary Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) report ongoing or recurrent pain or an unsatisfying outcome (SEMrush 2023 Study)? Recognizing the early signs or symptoms of knee replacement failure is crucial for timely intervention and potentially avoiding more serious complications.

Pain

Generalized or localized

Pain is one of the most common early indicators of knee replacement failure. It can be either generalized across the knee joint or localized to specific areas. For example, a patient might experience pain around the incision site or deep within the joint. A practical example is a patient who had a TKA and started feeling a sharp, localized pain behind the knee a few months after the surgery. Further examination revealed a problem with the implant alignment.

Causes

There are several causes of pain after knee replacement. Infection, loosening of the implant, and soft – tissue irritation are among the top reasons. According to medical research, infection has become the primary acute cause of failure with loosening and instability remaining as the overall common culprits. Pro Tip: If you experience persistent pain after knee replacement, keep a pain diary noting the time of day, intensity, and any activities that trigger the pain. This can be valuable information for your doctor.

Decrease in joint function

Reduction in range of motion

A decrease in joint function, especially a reduction in the range of motion, is another early sign of failure. A normal knee should be able to bend and straighten within a certain range. If you notice that you can’t bend your knee as far as you could right after the surgery, or if you have difficulty straightening it completely, this could be a red flag. For instance, a patient who used to be able to climb stairs with ease after TKA starts struggling due to limited knee flexion. As recommended by orthopedic diagnostic tools, regular range – of – motion measurements by your doctor can help detect this problem early.

Knee instability

Feeling like your knee might give way or buckle is a sign of knee instability. This can occur during normal activities such as walking or standing up. A patient who reported feeling a sense of "giving way" while walking found out that the implant was not providing proper support due to loosening. Pro Tip: Use assistive devices like a cane if you experience knee instability to prevent falls.

Swelling or stiffness in the knee joint

Swelling or stiffness in the knee joint is often overlooked but can be an early symptom of failure. It can be caused by inflammation due to infection, implant loosening, or other issues. For example, if you notice that your knee is constantly swollen, even after resting, it could be a sign of a problem. Key Takeaways: Keep an eye on any abnormal swelling or stiffness in your knee joint. If it persists for more than a few days, consult your doctor.

Itching, rashes

Itching and rashes around the incision site or on the skin over the knee can also be early signs. This could be due to an allergic reaction to the implant materials or a mild infection. A patient developed a rash a few weeks after TKA, which was later found to be an allergic reaction to the metal components of the implant. Top – performing solutions include using hypoallergenic wound dressings and conducting allergy tests before the surgery.

Serious signs

Serious signs of knee replacement failure include high fever, severe pain that is not relieved by medication, and visible deformity of the knee. If you experience any of these, it’s an emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention. Try our knee failure symptom checker to see if your symptoms match the common signs of failure.

Factors leading patients to file lawsuits

A staggering number of over 2.2 million primary or revision knee and hip replacement surgeries took place in the United States between 2012 and 2020, as per the American Joint Replacement Registry. With such a high volume of procedures, it’s no surprise that a significant number of patients end up filing lawsuits. Let’s delve into the key factors that prompt patients to take legal action.

Medical negligence

Approximately 80% of hip and knee surgeons will face malpractice litigation according to available data. Medical negligence can take many forms, such as a surgeon making a mistake during the surgery, improper selection of the device, or inadequate post – operative care. If a patient believes that their surgeon was negligent in any of these aspects and it led to the failure of their knee replacement, they are likely to pursue legal action. Key Takeaways: Surgeons should be more vigilant in providing high – quality care to avoid negligence claims.

Need for revision surgery

The number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed in the United States is projected to rise, and so is the revision burden. Revision surgery is a major hassle for patients as it involves additional pain, cost, and recovery time. Causes of revision surgery can include infection, loosening, instability, and polyethylene wear. When patients have to undergo revision surgery, they often seek compensation for the additional medical expenses and the negative impact on their quality of life.

Severe side effects and problems

Some patients experience severe side effects and problems after knee replacement surgery. This can include chronic pain, limited mobility, or even systemic health issues related to the implant. These side effects can significantly affect a patient’s daily life, leading to lost wages and a reduced quality of life. For example, a patient who can no longer work due to knee – related pain may file a lawsuit to recover lost income. Try our knee replacement complication calculator to estimate the potential impact of side effects on your life.
Comparison Table:

| Factor | Description | Example |
| — | — | — |
| Design defects | Flawed product design | DePuy with high failure rate |
| Manufacturing flaws | Issues during device production | Irregular surface or incorrect sizing |
| Failure to warn | Lack of communication about risks | Not informing about high infection risk |
| Medical negligence | Surgeon’s mistakes | Improper surgery or device selection |
| Need for revision surgery | Requirement for additional surgery | Due to infection or loosening |
| Severe side effects and problems | Chronic pain, limited mobility, etc. |

FAQ

What is a knee replacement failure lawsuit?

A knee replacement failure lawsuit is a legal claim filed by patients who’ve experienced issues post – surgery. According to legal precedents, these can stem from device – related problems like design or manufacturing flaws, or medical negligence. Detailed in our [Reasons likely to result in valid legal claims] analysis, factors such as device loosening or inadequate post – operative care can lead to such lawsuits.

• Surgeon negligence
• Device design defects
• Manufacturing flaws

How to prepare a prosthesis malfunction case?

Preparing a prosthesis malfunction case involves several steps. First, gather all medical records, including pre – operative assessments, surgery notes, and post – operative follow – up reports. Second, document all symptoms, like pain, instability, or swelling. Third, consult an experienced attorney specializing in orthopedic litigation. As recommended by legal industry tools, early legal advice can strengthen your case. This approach differs from self – representation, which may lack the legal expertise required.

• Collect medical records
• Document symptoms
• Seek legal counsel

How to determine if you have a valid knee replacement failure lawsuit claim?

To determine a valid claim, assess the cause of the failure. If it’s due to a defective device, such as design flaws or manufacturing mistakes, or medical negligence like improper surgery or lack of post – care, you may have a case. Clinical trials suggest that device – related issues and surgeon errors are common grounds. Use our legal case assessment tool for an initial evaluation. More details are in the [Reasons likely to result in valid legal claims] section.

• Check for device defects
• Evaluate medical negligence
• Use assessment tools

Knee replacement failure lawsuits vs. orthopedic implant recall claims: What’s the difference?

Knee replacement failure lawsuits can cover a wide range of issues, including surgeon negligence, infection, and aseptic loosening. Orthopedic implant recall claims, on the other hand, specifically relate to devices that have been recalled due to safety concerns. Unlike knee replacement failure lawsuits, implant recall claims often involve proving that the manufacturer knew about the defect. Refer to the [Reasons likely to result in valid legal claims] for more on these distinctions.

• Lawsuits cover multiple failure causes
• Recall claims focus on recalled devices
• Different proof requirements