Our specialist solicitors are investigating the NexGen knee component manufactured by Zimmer Biomet. Currently, our product liability lawyers currently assist some of the 700,000 or so people who are injured each year and wish to seek compensation for their losses. Contact us today for free initial advice and guidance on making a compensation claim, without obligation.
The Zimmer Biomet NexGen knee implant, which is one of the most popular brands of implant in the United Kingdom, has been used widely in both NHS and private practice since 2003 and was recalled voluntarily by the manufacturer on 6 December 2022 due to concerns over the loosening of the implant when used in certain specific combinations with each other. The loosening has seen an increase in the rate for knee revision surgery at a much earlier time than it would usually be undertaken.
Knee replacements are typically expected to last for around 15 years before needing to be replaced. However, a recent report from the National Joint Registry found that the Zimmer Biomet NexGen knee replacement has had a much higher revision rate when compared to other available prosthesis on the market, with some components lasting no longer than five years.
The BBC’s File on 4 programme, “My Faulty Knee Replacement,” has shone a spotlight on serious concerns about NexGen knee implants, devices fitted to thousands of NHS patients despite long standing safety issues. Read the full report here
Hugh James is instructed to represent patients who have been recalled to their hospitals and clinics because their NexGen knee replacement has been recalled at the manufacturers request.
Hugh James have previously represented and continue to represent several hundred other patients who have had unsuccessful orthopaedic joints implanted.
It is important that patients who believe that they have NexGen knee replacements consult their doctors or surgeons as not all components are part of the recall.
The most common symptoms of a loose knee replacement include, but are not limited to:
If you experience any of these symptoms, then your first course of action should be to contact your doctor for advice. Be sure to ask them what make and model of joint prosthesis you have.
Your next course of action should be to contact our Harmful Products team to see if you have a claim.
Some patients who have defective joint implants may not experience any physical symptoms of failure. Abnormal blood test results and x-rays can also be signs of a defective implant.
Replacement joints do not typically last as long as natural joints do. Because of this, not all joint implants are eligible to claim. If a particular type of replacement joint experiences higher than expected rates of failure then patients may be able to claim.
The best way to be sure is by having a conversation with a specialist solicitor who will know which implants and what scenarios qualify to claim.
If you believe that you have received a faulty NexGen knee implant and are now suffering from the impact of this, our product liability lawyers may be able to assist you in obtaining compensation. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us for a free, no obligation chat to explore whether we can assist you.
Claims for defective products must be brought within 10 years of the date that the product left the control of the manufacturer and was put into circulation. This is usually shortly after the date of manufacture. Claims must also be brought within 3 years of the patient gaining knowledge that their knee has failed.
If you received an implant that there is a known problem with then you are probably already being monitored regularly by your doctor to track the extent of the damage being caused by your defective implant. Regular blood tests can detect abnormal levels of metal in the blood which will indicate if the implants are causing an adverse reaction. If you have had a joint replacement, but are worried or unsure which type you have had implanted, you should contact your doctor for advice.
When components are implanted into a patient a product label will be documented in a patient’s hospital records. The component labels will record the identity of the manufacturer and all batch and reference numbers. This information is also entered on a central register at the National Joint Registry (NJR). Patients can obtain the information from the hospital they received treatment from or the NJR.
Mark Harvey
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