Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of surgeries carried out every year. While these implants are meant to restore mobility and reduce pain, defective devices have led to serious complications, and, in many cases, recalls. If you or a loved one has undergone knee replacement surgery and is experiencing unexpected pain, swelling, or implant failure, understanding your legal options is critical. Masstort attorneys at People for Law are here to help you navigate the complex landscape of medical device litigation.
What Brand of Knee Replacements Have Been Recalled?
Several major knee replacement brands have been subject to recalls by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Exactech Knee System – One of the most widely publicized recalls in recent years. The Exactech knee lawsuit has affected thousands of patients due to a packaging defect that caused the polyethylene components to degrade prematurely when exposed to oxygen.
- Zimmer Biomet – Multiple knee replacement components from Zimmer Biomet have been recalled over the years due to higher-than-expected failure rates and loosening issues.
- DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson) – DePuy has faced significant litigation related to knee replacement devices that wear down faster than expected, causing pain and requiring revision surgery.
- Stryker – Certain Stryker knee components have been recalled or flagged due to concerns over early device failure.
- Smith & Nephew – Some of their knee implant systems have also been subject to FDA recalls for defect-related complications.
How Do I Know If My Knee Replacement Has Been Recalled?
Discovering whether your specific knee implant has been recalled can feel overwhelming, but there are several ways to find out:
- Contact Your Surgeon or Orthopedic Specialist: Your surgeon should have records of the exact make, model, and lot number of your implant. They are typically notified directly by manufacturers in the event of a recall.
- Check the FDA’s MedWatch Database: The FDA maintains a publicly accessible database of all medical device recalls. You can search for a brand name or device type on fda.gov.
- Review Your Surgical Records and Implant Card: Most patients receive an implant identification card after surgery. This card contains key information that can be compared against recall notices.
- Speak with a Legal Professional: If you’re experiencing symptoms such as renewed knee pain, instability, swelling, or reduced mobility years after your surgery, consulting an expert attorney can help you determine whether a recall affects your implant.
Symptoms such as unusual clicking, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight are red flags that your implant may be failing, whether or not a formal recall has been issued.
What Is the Knee Replacement Lawsuit 2025?
By 2025, the Exactech knee lawsuit will have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court in the Eastern District of New York, with thousands of individual plaintiffs seeking compensation for:
- Revision surgeries and associated medical costs
- Pain and suffering caused by premature implant failure
- Lost wages and diminished quality of life
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
Beyond Exactech, other manufacturers, including Zimmer Biomet and DePuy, continue to face individual and class-action lawsuits. If you believe you may be entitled to compensation, the experienced masstort attorneys at People for Law can review your case and help you with the legal process.
What Is the Best Knee Replacement Implant Brand in the World?
Despite some problems with brands knee replacement surgery still works very well when done with good implants. Some brands are known to be very reliable based on how they work how long they last and how happy patients are with them.
- Stryker (Triathlon System): The Triathlon knee system has strong clinical data supporting its durability, and Stryker’s robotic-assisted surgery technology (Mako) continues to improve implant precision.
- Smith & Nephew (JOURNEY II): Known for its natural motion design, the JOURNEY II system is well-regarded among orthopedic surgeons.
- The Zimmer Biomet Persona Series is a known brand. People think it is one of the best. The Persona system has implants that can be customized to fit each person. This is a thing because it means the implants work well for a long time. However, some of the Persona models had problems and were closely scrutinized by the law. The Zimmer Biomet Persona Series is still a choice. The Persona system is used by doctors because it has good results.
- DePuy Synthes (ATTUNE): The ATTUNE system offers strong functional outcomes and is backed by extensive clinical research from Johnson & Johnson.
It is important to note that even the best-rated implants can fail due to manufacturing defects, improper surgical technique, or individual patient factors. Always consult with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to determine the best option for your specific anatomy and lifestyle needs.
How Do I Check If My Implants Are Recalled?
Checking whether your specific implants are subject to a recall requires a few proactive steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 – Locate Your Implant Information:
Ask your surgeon’s office or the hospital where your surgery was performed for a complete copy of your operative report. This document lists the exact make, model, lot number, and serial number of your implant.
Step 2 – Look for the FDA’s Device Recall Database
You should go to the FDA’s website. This is where you can find the medical device recall search tool. To use it, you need to enter the name of the company that made the device and a description of the device. Then you can check for any recalls on the device. You can see recalls that are currently happening and also recalls that happened in the past. The FDA’s website is a place to check for medical device recalls.
Step 3 – Contact the Manufacturer
When you buy something from a manufacturer, they usually have a phone number you can call if there is a problem with the product. This is called a recall hotline. The people who answer the phone can check whether the product you have is among those the manufacturer has recalled. They do this by checking the lot number of your product to see if it is part of a recalled batch. You can call the manufacturer’s recall hotline to check if your lot number is affected.
Step 4 – Check Symptoms
You should always watch out for symptoms like pain that doesn’t go away, swelling, a feeling that your joint isn’t stable, or weird clicking noises in the joint, even when there is no official recall notice.
The thing to remember is that you have to pay attention to your body and the joint, even if no one has told you there is a problem.
So look out for symptoms like pain that stays, swelling that will not go down, a joint that feels like it might give way, or strange noises like clicking in the joint.
Step 5 – Consult an Attorney
If you have an implant that has been recalled, it is advisable to talk to a lawyer right away. There are time limits for filing a claim for product problems, and waiting too long can hurt your chances of getting compensation.
You should speak with a professional early if your implant is recalled or if you are having issues with it. Time limits apply to product claims, and delays can affect your ability to get compensation for your implant.
Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen. Early legal consultation protects your rights and preserves important evidence for your case.
What Are the Most Commonly Reported Problems After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery comes with a high success rate, yet complications do occur — and some are directly linked to defective devices. The most commonly reported problems include:
- Persistent or Worsening Pain: Some patients experience continued or increased pain long after recovery, which can signal implant failure, loosening, or infection.
- Implant Loosening: Over time, the implant can become loose from the bone, causing instability and making everyday activities difficult. This is a common reason for revision surgery.
- Component Wear and Degradation: As seen in the Exactech knee lawsuit, premature oxidation and wear of polyethylene components can cause the implant to fail well before its expected lifespan.
- Infection: Deep joint infections following knee replacement are rare but serious and may require complete implant removal.
- Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis): Clot formation is a known risk post-surgery, though preventive measures are typically taken.
- Weakened Range of Motion: Some patients struggle to regain full mobility even after recovery, particularly if the implant is not properly positioned.
If you are experiencing any of these complications, particularly following the use of a recalled device, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Consulting with skilled masstort attorneys can help you understand whether a defective product caused your suffering — and what compensation you may be entitled to.
Know Your Rights
At People for Law, our dedicated legal team works alongside experienced masstort attorneys to hold negligent manufacturers accountable. Whether you are dealing with the fallout from the Exactech knee lawsuit or complications from another recalled device, we are ready to fight for your rights.
Contact People for Law today for a free consultation. Do not let the statute of limitations run out on your right to seek compensation. Let our legal professionals evaluate your case and give you the guidance you need to move forward.