Case Examples

Orthopedic Implants

Products Liability / Medical Malpractice

A 49 year old man had a total knee replacement that required bony ingrowth for fixation of the device to the bone. The replacement resulted in pain, became loose and had to be revised with a new total knee replacement three years postoperative. The loosening had been diagnosed after the man had been performing heavy labor after which there was heard a loud pop emanate from his knee. When the knee prosthesis was removed during revision surgery, the polyethylene on the knee cap portion of the prosthesis was found to be eroded.

Was the failure due to improper surgical technique, a defective device or the heavy labor?

Orthopedic Implants

Products Liability / Medical Malpractice

A 77 year old woman who was 5’7" and weighed 203 pounds had total knee replacement surgery. Five years later, the polyethylene in her knee deteriorated and had to be replaced. Osteolysis was found. She walked for exercise and climbed up and down stairs between the first and second levels of her home 3-4 times per day. She also played golf occasionally.

Was the failure due to improper surgical technique, a defective device, her obesity or her activity level?