For years, Egerton Law has been investigating early failure of total knee replacements after receiving many inquiries from injured people. Recent studies indicate that the problem may not be with the hardware, but with the bone cement used to secure it.
As with most medical products, there is a variety of types of bone cement on the market. One might be thicker or thinner, and with or without antibiotics. Adding to the variance, bone cement is typically mixed in the operating room at the time of surgery and requires very specific conditions in order to function properly.
In the context of knee replacements, certain types of bone cement products may not be as effective as others. High viscosity bone cement has recently been found to fail early at higher rates than its lower viscosity counterparts. This results in loosening, which is generally seen in the tibial component of the knee replacement. Some surgeons have reported that such cement failed to adhere the bone to the device at all, and the hardware could be lifted out of the knee without the help of tools.
So why is such a potentially flawed product even used? High viscosity bone cement is sold as a more convenient alternative to the lower viscosity types as it is easier to handle and sets up more quickly. However, those benefits may be outweighed if the bond created is weak and results in an early revision surgery, and all the risks and hardships that come along with the procedure.
The failure rate of high viscosity bone cement means individuals with this form of knee replacement adhesion are at higher risk for an early revision surgery, often within just a few years of their original surgery. If you or someone you know is facing an early revision after total knee replacement, the attorneys at Egerton Law can help you determine whether high viscosity bone cement was used in your knee replacement surgery.
For more information, just visit Egerton Law online or call us at 1-800-800-4LAW.
An attorney with Egerton Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ms. Beeson focuses mainly on product liability law. Working within the field itself for several years has given Emily valuable, firsthand knowledge that makes her quite adept at navigating this intricate area of practice.
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