Exactech is facing legal challenges with over 1,100 lawsuits in federal courts and 400 in state courts nationwide.[i] These lawsuits allege manufacturing defects in knee, hip, and ankle implants, leading to premature failure and further surgeries. Plaintiffs argue that flawed packaging allowed oxygen to compromise the implants before implantation, causing harm.
This legal battle originated from a recall initiated by Exactech in February 2022, affecting thousands of knee replacement systems, including the Optetrak, Optetrak Logic, and Truliant models, as well as components used in Exactech Vantage ankle replacements. Similar packaging concerns led to recalls of Exactech Novation and Acumatch hip implants, with an additional 40,000 joint replacements included in the recall.
Judge Garaufis, U.S. District Judge in the Eastern District of New York, intends to schedule representative claims for early test trials to assess jury responses to key evidence and testimony. The first trial is expected to commence in October 2024. Although the outcomes of these bellwether trials are not binding, they may significantly influence any potential settlements offered by Exactech to resolve the litigation.
As this complex litigation unfolds, it underscores the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for product defects that jeopardize patient safety and well-being.
Contact Our New York Attorneys
If you have been affected by the Exactech knee, hip, or ankle replacement recalls and would like to explore your legal options, contact Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP today.
[i] United States District Court Eastern District of New York, Case No. 1:22-md-03044-NGG-MMH, Document 486, filed on 12/11/2. JOINT STATUS REPORT
