MCS, Novation and Acumatch Hip Implants Recalled Due to Premature Deterioration

Exactech, Inc., a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Gainesville, has recalled nearly 90,000 hip implant devices due to concerns of premature deterioration. The recall—which applies to the company’s MCS, Novation and Acumatch hip implant devices containing the company’s Connexion GXL liner—comes after two independent studies concluded that the synthetic implants have the potential to release toxic debris into the body.

Understanding the Risks of Exactech’s Defective Hip Implant Devices

One of the studies followed 12 patients who received hip implant devices containing Exactech’s Connexion GXL liner. Of these patients, nine needed “revision” surgery in order to address premature wear within five years. The study found that:

“Considering that no identifiable risk factors related to patient demographics or implant position were identified, the Exactech Connexion GXL liner may be prone to a high rate of early failure from wear . . . .”

The other study found that although hip replacement devices have shown “excellent long-term wear properties” in general, approximately 2.5% of devices containing the Exactech Connexion GXL liner showed, “severe polyethylene wear and osteolysis which occurred within 5 years,” of implantation. The study’s authors concluded:

“This review of 5 cases of catastrophic early polyethylene wear demonstrates a concerning trend with the use of the Exactech Connexion GXL liner. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate material characteristics which may have caused this wear and to prevent recurrences of this complication in the future.”

This was approximately one year before Exactech issued its recall, in which the company acknowledged that a, “[r]isk of edge-loading and premature prosthesis wear is possible in a specific subset of patients with certain implant configurations and surgical implant positioning.”

How We Can Help You If You Received a Defective Hip Implant

Hip implant devices are supposed to provide patients with a new lease on life. Restoring mobility and eliminating pain in the hip can have profound effects, and patients who receive hip implants often report a substantial improvement in their overall quality of life.

Unfortunately, in some cases, the opposite proves to be true. When a patient receives a defective hip implant, such as an MCS, Novation or Acumatch implant from Exactech, the consequences can be devastating. The toxic debris released into the body due to premature degradation of the Connexion GXL liner can cause necrosis, severe muscle damage and loss of tissue. Timely revision surgery can be essential for preventing permanent complications—and for preventing fatal complications in some cases.

If you or someone you love has received a defective Exactech hip implant device, our attorneys can pursue a claim for just compensation on your behalf. We have recovered billions of dollars in compensation for individuals and families affected by defective medical devices and other dangerous products. Contact us to learn more.

Speak with a Lawyer about Your Defective Hip Implant Claim Today

Do you (or does your family) have a claim for a defective MCS, Novation or Acumatch hip implant device? To find out, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Searcy Denney. Call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online today.