Zimmer NexGen Knee Recall Overdue

York, PAMany people who find their quality of life has drastically decreased since having a Zimmer NexGen knee replacement system are wondering why there hasn't yet been a Zimmer knee replacement recall. Even though orthopedic surgeons are calling for the recall of the NexGen CR-Flex Knee replacement devices, their cries are not yet being heard by Zimmer Holdings. (The manufacturer did recall its Durom Cup hip replacement—after selling more than 12,000 devices; and it recalled a surgical instrument in 2007.)

Many Zimmer NexGen recipients are now facing revision surgery and they want to know who is paying? Patients such as Cathy (not her real name) believe that their insurance company shouldn't have to cover their medical expenses, including physical therapy. And neither should they. "Because Zimmer knew that its NexGen knee implant was defective, and I shouldn't have been implanted with this device in the first place, Zimmer Holdings should also be responsible for covering my lost wages, pain and suffering and more," says Cathy. It would seem that many people with NexGen knees agree (LAS has received many complaints; and it is the subject of a number of chat rooms and forums).

"I was prepared to endure some pain after getting my NexGenZimmer knee replacement in August 2010," says Cathy, "but after months of therapy I was still living with constant pain and I had mobility problems; I couldn't totally bend my knee. During one therapy session I heard something snap inside my knee and it's been hurting in that spot ever since. When I just touch that spot, it really hurts.

"Because I couldn't bend my knee properly, I went back to my surgeon last October and had x-rays. Everything looked fine, which didn't explain my lack of mobility. I had to get a manipulation—under anesthesia they forcefully bend your knee. And I've had a few cortisone shots for the pain. To this day I still can't bend it.

"My cousin just had knee surgery and he told me that some of these artificial knees were defective and people had filed lawsuits against the manufacturers. I called the doctor's office and his nurse told me that I have the Zimmer NexGen knee.

"So I went back to my doctor again. He is puzzled because it is still hurting and I hear it snap, but he says that I just have to live with it. Well that's not good enough. My doctor ordered four x-rays in total; now I am thinking that this kind of diagnostic tool isn't enough and I want to get another opinion. I am going to look for another knee doctor and possibly get a bone scan to confirm that this NexGen knee is defective.

"I still have problems walking, especially going up and down steps. And it's difficult getting in and out of my car. I'm not working right now (I got laid off and went on unemployment—a good time to get my knee repaired; but now I can't return to work because I can't stand for long and I can't carry anything.)

"I hope to join a lawsuit against Zimmer and get compensated for pain and suffering, loss and wages, and possibly revision surgery, although I am not looking forward to a replacement surgery, it would hurt even more if I have to pay for it. Zimmer should pay."