Over the past couple of decades, hundreds of thousands of patients in the United States have received defective medical implants manufactured by Exactech. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified various issues with Exactech’s devices, the main issue has to do with how the company packaged its devices from 2004 through 2021. Due to flaws in the company’s packaging, certain components in its devices were able to oxidize, leading to accelerated wear, degradation and failure.

This left many patients to cope with pain, complications and limitations that were worse than those they experienced before their implant surgeries. Many patients have also been forced to undergo revision surgeries to have their defective Exactech ankle, knee, hip and shoulder implants replaced. As a result, the FDA is currently recommending against the implantation of Exactech devices, and this means that patients and healthcare providers must consider the alternatives that are available.

Why It’s Important to Consider Alternatives to Exactech

Based on the FDA’s recommendations, no healthcare providers should be implanting Exactech’s dangerous ankle, knee, hip and shoulder replacement devices. The wear, degradation and failures caused by Exactech’s defective packaging present several significant health risks—and these are risks that can be avoided with other treatment modalities. According to the FDA, the issues with Exactech’s devices can cause complications including bone loss and fractures, with the following often being signs that prompt revision surgery may be necessary:

• New or worsening pain
• Swelling in the area of the implant
• Inability to bear weight
• Grinding or other noises or unusual sensations in the area of the implant
• Weakness around the implanted device

For patients who experience serious complications from defective Exactech implants, the costs can be substantial. This includes not only the costs of revision surgery and other necessary care, but also loss of income, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses. In light of these risks (and the FDA’s recommendations), patients and their healthcare providers should choose alternatives to Exactech’s recalled medical devices going forward.

Alternatives to Exactech Ankle, Knee, Hip and Shoulder Replacements

Fortunately, for patients who have ankle, knee, hip and shoulder problems and who haven’t received an Exactech implant, there are multiple alternatives available. Some examples of potential alternatives include:

Ankle, Knee, Hip and Shoulder Implants from Other Medical Device Manufacturers

Exactech is not the only company that manufactures replacement ankle, knee, hip and shoulder implant devices. For patients who need joint replacements, choosing a device from another manufacturer may be the best option.

Alternative Surgical Treatments

While joint replacement surgery is necessary in some cases, there are also alternative surgeries that have been successful in relieving patients’ joint issues without implanting an artificial device. Some examples of these alternative procedures include Arthroscopic Biologic Total Shoulder Resurfacing (ABTSR), Humeral Head Resurfacing (HHR), Glenoid Resurfacing (GR) and regenerative surgeries such as Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation Surgery (OATS). There are other alternative surgical procedures as well, and determining which of these options may be suitable for a particular patient will require a careful diagnosis and consideration of all pertinent risk factors.

Cortisone Injections and Other Non-Surgical Treatments

Cortisone injections and other non-surgical treatments have also proven effective for treating joint mobility issues and joint pain in some cases. Non-surgical treatment is generally preferred whenever possible, and oftentimes, patients who assume that they need a joint replacement simply are not aware of the non-surgical alternatives that are available.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Along with non-surgical treatments like cortisone injections, physical and occupational therapy can also be effective treatment modalities for joint issues in some cases. Oftentimes, even when it appears that surgery may be necessary, it will be worthwhile for patients to try these alternatives before scheduling invasive implant procedures.

Pain Management

Pain management will be a suitable solution for some patients as well. Oftentimes, pain management medications will be used in combination with therapy and/or other treatment modalities. Implant surgeries are major procedures, and they inherently carry certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, some patients may prefer to manage their symptoms rather than go under the knife. Additionally, patients who begin with an approach focused on symptom management can choose to have surgery later if necessary.

While these are some examples of potential alternatives to Exactech ankle, knee, hip and shoulder replacements, these are not the only options that are available. Individuals who are dealing with pain, limited mobility and other issues should consult with their doctors to ensure that they are making informed decisions about how best to address their personal medical needs.

What If It’s Too Late to Use an Alternative?

For patients who have already received defective Exactech implants, it is important to seek advice from their doctors as soon as possible. Defective Exactech implants are prone to breaking down over time, with this degradation eventually leading to total failure. Generally, addressing any issues presented by a defective implant before a total failure will allow for the best possible patient outcome in light of the circumstances presented.

For patients who have received defective Exactech implants, revision surgery—replacing the defective implant with a safe implant manufactured by a different company—may be the only viable option. These procedures are expensive, and, like all surgeries, these present certain risks. Once again, it is critical that patients consult with their doctors to ensure that they are making informed decisions, and those who have received defective Exactech implants will want to speak with a lawyer about their legal rights as well.

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