More than 50 patients are pursuing legal action after experiencing pain and requiring additional surgeries due to the failure of Zimmer Biomet's NexGen Complete Knee Solution components. Medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell report that 56 individuals have come forward regarding the recalled knee implant system, with 24 cases already filed in the High Court.
The Zimmer NexGen system faced recall after data indicated failure rates potentially five times higher than those of other knee replacement devices. These failures have led to immobility and reliance on painkillers for some patients. In 2023, the NHS initiated a review after over 10,000 patients received potentially faulty implants. Hundreds of patients have needed a second operation to address issues such as the implant slipping, with each revision costing the NHS an estimated £10,000 to £30,000.
Irwin Mitchell, appointed by the High Court as the lead law firm for claimants, is representing a significant number of those affected. Tim Annett, a medical negligence lawyer with the firm, stated that many clients have undergone major surgery following the premature failure of their knee replacements. He highlighted concerns about increased risk of failure and the extent of knowledge regarding the implants' performance prior to their continued use.
The litigation primarily focuses on the tibial component of the NexGen knee replacement. The National Joint Registry alerted Zimmer Biomet in 2015 to higher-than-expected failure rates in certain implant combinations. Despite further studies and observations pointing to patterns of early failure, the implants reportedly remained in use until the recall in December 2022. Following the recall, guidance recommended monitoring patients with the affected implants. Patients allege that the device's parts move against each other, leading to damage and loosening of the joint.
A High Court deadline of November 13 has been set for affected patients to join the group litigation. Irwin Mitchell is urging individuals who believe they have been impacted to come forward for case assessment. A High Court hearing to outline the next phase of the case is anticipated in the spring.
One affected patient, 80-year-old Lydia Osborne, reported experiencing constant pain and difficulty walking after issues developed with both of her NexGen knee replacements. She underwent revision surgery after her initial knee replacements in 2016 and 2017 led to concerns about the knee giving way and significantly impacting her daily life and independence.
Zimmer Biomet has previously stated that the "vast majority of patients had positive outcomes" and that the company "acted swiftly and responsibly by removing the tibial component from the market" after concerns were raised.