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product_liability knee_replacementKnee replacement surgery is normally performed in patients who have an unbearable amount of pain. The need for knee replacement surgery may be the result of arthritis, sports injuries, or other factors, but the pain has interfered with life so much that normal activities can no longer be performed. Knee replacement surgery is usually performed by removing the arthritic area from the bone ends and replacing it with a metal and plastic knee cemented to the remaining bone.
Considered a major elective surgery, the results can be dramatic, though risks can be as well. Every year, about 300,000 U.S. patients get new knees and knee replacement surgery is only expected to become more popular. Normally, knee replacement surgery failure is suffered only when the implanted knee loosens.
Smith & Nephew had cementless versions of its Oxinium Genesis II and Profix II implants that were recalled in the U.S. in September 2003. The knee replacements failed to properly bond, and as a result, numerous lawsuits were filed for the re-operations and risks of re-infection and further joint and muscular damage that could result in a more painful rehab.
Rehab for knee replacement surgery is necessary in order to regain motion and strength. When the surgical procedure has complications, the rehab process can take longer than a couple months and pain is still experienced. The news of the Smith & Nephew recall angered many patients that had been battling a frustrating knee problem.