At Henson Fuerst, we have extensive experience helping patients who were injured by defective medical devices through no fault of their own. We believe medical device manufacturers must be held accountable for the damage a defective product can cause to you, a family member, or a loved one. Henson Fuerst will diligently advocate for your rights—and do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.
About the DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant
DePuy orthopedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, designed the Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant as a complete joint replacement. The device was originally designed to improve a patient’s range-of-motion and overall stability.
At the time of introduction in 2011, DePuy advertised the Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant as one of the most advanced knee replacement devices available. The manufacturer claimed the device’s rotating-platform design—which consists of both plastic and metal components—would greatly reduce overall wear.
Accelerated Approval Means Less-Stringent Testing
Originally approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant went through the FDA’s 510(k) Clearance Process. Under this streamlined process, the manufacturer needed only to demonstrate the implant was “substantially similar” to another device already in use.
Through this abbreviated approval procedure, DePuy introduced the Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant into the market without subjecting the device to strenuous testing. As a result, high rates of failure have caused severe injuries for a number of recipients.
Issues Regarding the DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant
The first lawsuit against the defective DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant was filed in September 2017. Since that time, many have followed. Currently, Henson Fuerst estimates there may be hundreds of potential cases against this defective device. If grouped into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL), these cases can potentially make their way through the legal process quickly.
Patients who received defective DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implants between 2013 and today have reported severe issues with the device unrelated to infection or trauma, including:
- Excessive Pain in the Knee
- Unusual Swelling of the Location
- Prolonged Joint Inflammation
- Decreased Range of Motion
- Instability of the Implant
- Sideways or Backwards Motion
- Unexplained Warmth in the Knee
Known Failures of the DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant
A 2017 study concluded the DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant was subject to loosening at a high rate. The FDA has since received over 230 reports indicating the Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant has loosened prematurely. Many recipients of the device have required revision surgery to correct problems. Other reports surrounding the device indicate:
- Fracture of the Device Itself
- Fracture of the Surrounding Bones
- Loosening at the Tibia (Shin Bone)
- Premature Implant Wear-and-Tear
Understand Your Options
When you contact Henson Fuerst, our North Carolina Defective Medical Device Attorneys can review all your legal options with you for free. As part of a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the defective DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant, you may be entitled to recover damages—including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
Call Henson Fuerst at (919) 781-1107 today for a Free Consultation.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one received a defective DePuy Attune® Surgical Knee Replacement Implant after 2013—and have questions about your legal options—call the experienced North Carolina Product Liability lawyers at Henson Fuerst Attorneys immediately at (919) 781-1107. You can also complete a free initial consultation form online. Time may be limited to file your claim, so be sure to call right away.