Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Problems Likely To Plague Individuals With Recalled Implant

Following a Zimmer Biomet shoulder recall announced last month, it is expected that individuals who received this defective and dangerous implant will continue to face a high risk of fractures and catastrophic failures, which will continue to surface over the next several years. 

Due to problems with Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder implants used during total shoulder replacement surgery since 2008, several thousand individuals nationwide may be at risk of suffering a fracture, permanent loss of shoulder function, infection or even death.

The FDA announced a recall for the shoulder implants last month, indicating that approximately 3,662 components distributed since October 2008 have shown to have higher-than-expected fracture rates. Since many of these components may have been used during shoulder replacement surgery in recent years, it is likely that implants will continue to fracture and fail the longer they remain in individual’s shoulders.

Amid reports of Zimmer Biomet shoulder problems, lawyers throughout the U.S. are now reviewing potential product liability lawsuits, as well as whether medical monitoring and other benefits may be available through a shoulder replacement class action lawsuit.

The recalled implants are used to help restore arm movement among individuals with torn rotator cuffs, severe shoulder arthritis known as arthropathy, and patients who had previous shoulder joint replacements that failed.

According to the statement issued by the FDA on February 16, the manufacturer sent an Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice to medical providers and distributors on December 20, 2016, asking them to make sure staff is aware of the shoulder replacement problems, to identify and quarantine recalled implants, and to return a Certificate of Acknowledgement form.

The recalled shoulders were distributed between October 2008 and September 2015, but could have been used during total shoulder replacements through late last year.

At this time, it does not appear that the manufacturer has taken any steps to make sure individuals who received unreasonably dangerous and defective component are aware that they may face an increased risk of problems. The FDA statement noted that there are currently “no specific patient monitoring instructions related to this recall that are recommended beyond existing surgical follow up protocol.”

As individual learn about the recall, or seek medical attention for problems with their Biomet shoulder, it is expected that a growing number of product liability lawsuits will be filed against the manufacturer.