See if you qualify for this lawsuit
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In February 2022, Exactech — a Florida-based medical device company — issued one of the largest orthopedic recalls in U.S. history. More than 147,000 hip, knee, and ankle replacement implants were pulled from the market. (Exactech Voluntary Recall Notice, FDA MedWatch, 2022.)
The reason: the plastic packaging used to store the implants’ polyethylene (plastic) components was defective. The packaging allowed oxygen in, causing the plastic to break down before it was ever implanted. That degraded plastic — once inside a patient’s body — can fail prematurely, causing severe bone damage, pain, and the need for early revision surgery.
What the Exactech Lawsuit Is About
Exactech’s implants use ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as the plastic bearing component. These components are supposed to last 15–20 years or more. Because the packaging allowed oxygen exposure, the plastic oxidized — meaning it broke down faster than it should have.
Patients with affected implants have reported:
- The implant loosening far sooner than expected
- Severe bone loss (osteolysis) around the implant
- Significant pain and limited movement
- The need for revision surgery — sometimes just a few years after the original joint replacement
Revision surgery for a failed joint implant is more complex, riskier, and more painful than the original procedure. Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits. Cases are currently consolidated in federal court in the Eastern District of New York.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if both of the following apply to you:
- You received an Exactech hip, knee, or ankle replacement implant — including Exactech’s Optetrak, Truliant, Vantage, or Connexion GXL models, among others covered by the recall.
- You experienced premature loosening, severe pain, significant bone loss, or were told you need revision surgery.
Even if you haven’t had symptoms yet, if you have an affected implant, it’s worth checking — degraded plastic can fail without warning.
Two minutes — fill out the free form to check your situation.
Tell us about your implant and any problems you’ve had. A real person will review your information and reach out if you may have a case.
Start Free Case Check →What Could This Mean for You?
If you qualify, you may be owed money for the cost of revision surgery, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Cases are evaluated individually — we will not quote you a number, and anyone who does at this stage is guessing.
Filing Deadline
Deadlines vary by state. Many states start the clock when you first knew or should have known about the problem — which for some patients is the 2022 recall notice. Time is limited. Checking takes two minutes and costs nothing.
How the Process Works
Step 1 — Fill out the free form
No cost, no commitment. Takes about two minutes.
Step 2 — A lawyer reviews your implant and surgical history
Our team checks every submission and evaluates your specific device model, when it was implanted, and what complications you experienced.
Step 3 — If you qualify, attorneys work on contingency
You pay nothing unless you win. There are no upfront fees of any kind.
Step 4 — Your case is filed in the MDL or appropriate court
Your case joins the ongoing federal proceedings. Most clients do not need to appear in court.
Common Questions
How do I know if my implant was part of the recall?
The recall covers specific product codes. Your surgeon’s office, hospital records, or implant card will show the device implanted. A lawyer can help identify whether your specific model is included.
What if I’ve already had revision surgery?
You may still qualify. If you had revision surgery because of early implant failure, that’s directly relevant to your case.
My implant doesn’t hurt right now — should I still check?
Yes. Degraded implants can fail without early warning symptoms. If your device is part of the recall, it’s worth knowing your options now — before a problem develops.
Does this apply to ankle replacements, not just hips and knees?
Yes. Exactech makes ankle replacement systems that are also part of the recall. The Vantage ankle system is among the affected devices.
What brands are covered?
Exactech’s recalled systems include Optetrak (knee), Truliant (knee), Connexion GXL (hip), and Vantage (ankle), among others. Product codes determine inclusion in the recall — a lawyer can check yours.
Sources
- Exactech Voluntary Recall Notice: FDA MedWatch, February 2022. fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
- FDA MAUDE Database: Exactech device adverse event reports. accessdata.fda.gov
- PACER: MDL filings, Eastern District of New York (Exactech orthopedic implant litigation).