Misha Knee System Lawsuit Alleges Defective Implant Required Second Surgery

Lawsuit claims Misha knee implant was part of a federal recall, warning that certain devices may cause pain, swelling and stiffness, requiring removal.

A New York man has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a defective Misha Knee System implant fractured inside his body less than a year after surgery, leaving him with permanent injuries and disability.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Frank N. Sgrizzi and his wife, Allison L. Sgrizzi, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York on February 18, naming Moximed Inc., Revzero Inc., and the Hospital for Special Surgery as defendants. It was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York on May 1.

The Sgrizzis claim that a defective Misha Knee System implant fractured inside Frank Sgrizzi’s knee within months of surgery, leading to worsening pain, swelling and further complications. The failure allegedly occurred at the same location later identified in a federal recall. 

Knee Implant Risks

The Misha Knee System is an implantable shock absorber designed to treat patients with mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis by reducing pressure on the joint without replacing it. Surgically placed alongside the knee, the device connects the femur and tibia and uses a spring-like mechanism to absorb some of the load placed on the joint during movement. This helps to alleviate pain and improve function.

The device is typically marketed as an option for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments, but who are not yet ready to undergo a total knee replacement. Instead, it offers a less invasive alternative intended to preserve the natural joint.

Misha Knee Implant Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Sgrizzi underwent surgery on June 24, 2024, to implant the Misha Knee System. However, within months of the procedure, Sgrizzi allegedly began experiencing worsening pain, swelling and complications.

By January 2025, imaging revealed that the implant had fractured at the distal end of the absorber component, which Sgrizzi’s surgeon diagnosed as a failure of the device.

As a result, Sgrizzi underwent a second surgery on February 10, 2025, to remove the failed implant. During the procedure, doctors reportedly confirmed that the device had fractured at the same location later identified in a federal safety recall.

Misha Knee System Recall

The lawsuit indicates that in December 2024, months after Sgrizzi’s implant surgery but before its failure, Moximed initiated a Misha Knee System recall for certain devices. The FDA’s Class II recall warned that the implant may fracture due to a defect involving reduced wall thickness and microcracks in a component of the device.

The recalled devices were linked to risks of pain, swelling and stiffness, with federal regulators indicating they could require removal. The complaint alleges that the specific implant used in Sgrizzi’s surgery was among the affected lots.

“Upon information and belief, the explanted MISHA hardware removed from Plaintiff FRANK N. SGRIZZI fractured at the exact point of concern identified in the FDA recall.”

— Frank N. Sgrizzi v. Moximed Inc. et al

The Sgrizzis claim that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the defect prior to marketing and selling the device, yet failed to provide adequate warnings to physicians or patients.

Misha Knee System Defects

According to the complaint, the device was expected to last for years but instead fractured within seven to eight months, allegedly due to nonconforming geometry in the absorber component that weakened the structure.

As a result of the failure, Sgrizzi claims he has suffered severe and permanent injuries, including chronic pain, limited mobility and advanced osteoarthritis in his knee. The lawsuit indicates he can no longer sit or walk for extended periods and requires assistance with daily activities.

The lawsuit raises allegations of product liability, negligence, design defect, manufacturing defect, failure to warn, and breach of express and implied warranties. Allison Sgrizzi has also filed a loss of consortium claim, alleging the complications have impacted their relationship and household.

The Sgrizzis are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses allegedly caused by the defective knee implant. Prior to the incident, Sgrizzi reportedly worked as a high-level executive and earned more than $1 million annually. As a result, the total claimed economic damages exceed $21 million.

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