Zimmer Knee Problems Subject of Recent Complaint

A lawsuit filed on behalf of Mary Karen Clote McKenna (Karen Clote) that alleges Zimmer knee problems has been moved to another court. The defendants, Zimmer, Inc., and Zimmer Orthopaedics Surgical Products, Inc., filed a notice of removal on February 1, 2013. The notice removes the case from District Court of Oklahoma County to the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Oklahoma. The Zimmer knee lawsuit was originally filed on December 26, 2012.

The plaintiff, a resident of Oklahoma, received a Zimmer knee implant, a device manufactured by the defendants. The device later allegedly failed, and the plaintiff required a revision surgery. According to the complaint, the defendants were negligent in failing to adequately warn of the risks, and in allegedly manufacturing a defective device. Many similar lawsuits have already been filed against the defendants, claiming defective design.

Plaintiff suffered significant Zimmer knee problems

On July 29, 2010, Karen Clote underwent a left knee replacement. The Gender Solutions Natural-Knee Flex System, a device manufactured by Zimmer, was implanted. On April 11, 2011, the plaintiff claims that when she stood up, she hyper-extended her knee as an alleged result of the defective design of the device. This caused a severe injury and significant pain. The injury also resulted in mobility problems.

As a result of the alleged mechanical failure, the plaintiff was forced to have revision surgery. She underwent a total knee arthroplasty with polyethylene exchange surgery on April 20, 2011. According to the complaint, the plaintiff has sustained debilitating injuries that will persist in the future. She suffers from economic losses, including loss of wages, medical expenses, and costs of rehabilitation. The complaint further alleges that the plaintiff has experienced a permanent instability in her left leg, loss of balance, immobility, and severe pain and suffering.

Others have required Zimmer knee revision surgery

Other plaintiffs have filed similar complaints against the defendant for various knee implant systems. They allege Zimmer knee problems like failure of the device, which necessitated corrective surgery. Some plaintiffs have also claimed that the device does not function as stated by the defendant.

Zimmer knee problems that result in revision surgery present additional risks for the patients. They run the risk of complications from the procedure, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection, and bleeding. The rehabilitation process is also typically longer and more arduous for patients undergoing Zimmer knee revision surgery. Some of the other potential risks can include:

• Blood clots
• Osteolysis (breakdown of bone)
• Metal allergy reactions
• Dislocation of the device
• Fracture of the device
• Loosening of implant components
• Cardiovascular disorders

Zimmer knee lawsuit alleges defect in device

According to the complaint, the Zimmer knee implant was “defective and unreasonably dangerous,” and the plaintiff experienced significant injury “directly caused by defects in the GS Natural-Knee.” The claimant’s lawyer charges the defendants with failing to properly design, manufacture, inspect, and test the implant prior to marketing. The complaint further alleges that the plaintiff did not know, nor did she have any way of knowing, that the device was defective at the time that it was implanted in her left leg. Failure to adequately warn patients and healthcare professionals of the potential risks is also alleged.

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