Parker Waichman LLP

Zimmer Passes Blame for Devices High Failure Rates to Surgeons, Patients

A study presented to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons indicated that after just two years of use, the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex Porous Femoral knee replacement component was experiencing high failure rates of 9.3 percent. Also, 36 percent of the 108 patients studied reported pain and loosening of the defective implant in that two-year time […]

A study presented to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons indicated that after just two years of use, the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex Porous Femoral knee replacement component was experiencing high failure rates of 9.3 percent. Also, 36 percent of the 108 patients studied reported pain and loosening of the defective implant in that two-year time frame. The Zimmer component was intended to last 15 years.

Dr. Richard Berger, a Zimmer consultant at the time and the lead author of a study concerning the Zimmer product defects, called the failure rate of the Zimmer knee component “horrific.” When Dr. Berger attempted to discuss the matter with Zimmer, he was advised that the unprecedented failure rate was due to physician technique and error, and patient type.

The Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee device is a synthetic device used to cap the thigh bone at the knee without the traditional use of cement due to its porous fiber metal and a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy construction.

Zimmer has recalled other knee implant components including a number used with the Zimmer NexGen Complete Knee Solution MIS procedure, such as the NexGen TM Tibial Trays, NexGen MIS Tibial Components, and MIS Modular Tibial Plates and Keels. And, although the Zimmer NexGen MIS tibial component recall involved over 68,000 components, Zimmer never issued a public statement regarding the September 2010 action. Finally, in March 2011, the Zimmer NexGen MIS tibial component recall was added to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) website.

Problems with the recalled components appeared to be preventing them from fusing to bone. The FDA said it has received 114 reports of complications associated with the recalled Zimmer NexGen MIS tibial components, such as loosening of the device; every on of those patients required revision surgery.

Legal actions also continues to mount against the device maker. Most recently, we reported that another lawsuit was filed against Zimmer Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries, claiming that the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex Porous Femoral knee replacement system is defective. The plaintiff in that case, a resident of Illinois, claims his Zimmer NexGen knee failed less than three years after it was implanted.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Hi there my name is Nicole Delia and I highly recommend this law firm. I've been working with Jessie Salcedo she's the paralegal on my case. She's always kind and very professional on the phone. I look forward to working with them. There location is 6 Harbor Drive Port Washington New York, NY 11050
Nicole Delia
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker you are the best in town. I’m super happy with your services.I will recommend my friends and family. Jorge thank you for everything you did for me
Edgar Fortiz
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I like to thank Joanne and the team at Parker and waichman for their caring about my health due to my unfortunate back pain I have been suffering with the team reach out to me weekly to keep me updated on the process I would recommend them to family and friends.thank you guys for all the support truly appreciate you.
Sharon Sharp
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038