Exactech Implant Recall Lawsuit Overview

What Is the Exactech Lawsuit?

In 2022, Exactech announced a massive recall of more than 200,000 knee, hip, and ankle implants due to defective packaging that exposed the polyethylene (plastic) components to oxygen. This oxidation caused the components to wear out prematurely, leading to device failure and the need for revision surgery in thousands of patients.

The recall was expanded over time as more devices were identified as affected. Patients who received Exactech implants are now filing lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries and the cost of revision surgeries.

Which Exactech Products Are Recalled?

Knee Implants (Recalled)

Optetrak (all variants)
Optetrak Logic
Truliant
Truliant XR Knee System

Hip Implants

Connexion GXL acetabular liners
Various hip components

Ankle Implants

Vantage Total Ankle System

What Caused the Recall?

The polyethylene inserts (plastic components) used in these implants were packaged in non-conforming vacuum bags that did not contain a critical secondary barrier layer. This packaging defect allowed oxygen to penetrate the bags during storage, causing the polyethylene to oxidize.

When implanted in patients, this oxidized polyethylene:

Wears out faster than properly stored components
Releases plastic debris into surrounding tissue
Causes inflammation and bone destruction
Leads to device loosening and failure
Requires revision surgery much earlier than expected

What Injuries Are Linked to Exactech Implants?

Common complications from defective Exactech devices include:

Premature device failure — Implants failing within years instead of decades
Implant loosening — The device becomes unstable
Bone loss (osteolysis) — Caused by inflammatory response to plastic debris
Severe pain — Often the first symptom of failure
Swelling and inflammation at the implant site
Loss of mobility
Need for revision surgery — More complex than the original procedure
Metal toxicity in severe wear cases
Pseudotumors in some patients

What Are Plaintiffs Alleging?

The lawsuits allege that Exactech:

Knew or should have known about the packaging defect
Failed to test the packaging for oxygen barrier integrity
Continued selling the affected products even after identifying issues
Delayed the recall, allowing thousands of additional patients to be implanted
Failed to adequately warn surgeons and patients
Profited at the expense of patient safety

Current Status of the Litigation

The Exactech litigation is consolidated as MDL 3044 in the Eastern District of New York.

Thousands of cases pending in the MDL
Bellwether trials being scheduled
No global settlement yet
New filings being accepted as more patients discover device failure

Why You Should Act Now

If you received an Exactech implant and experienced complications:

Statutes of limitations vary by state
Surgical records documenting the implant are essential
Revision surgery records strengthen your case significantly

A free case review costs nothing. If your Exactech implant failed or you needed revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation.