Frequently Asked Questions About the Defective DePuy Synthes Radial Head Elbow

One of the things a patient does not want to hear is that the artificial joint they had been implanted with was recalled from the market because of a defect that could force them to have additional surgeries or suffer pain and instability of the arm. If you received the artificial elbow implant prior to the 2016 Class 2 recall of 50,311 devices, you might be interested in reading some of the most commonly asked questions about the recall and what options may be available to you, including whether you are eligible to file a Depuy elbow implant lawsuit.

Why was the Class 2 Medical Device Recalled?

The Class 2 recall was issued after the FDA learned the device posed a threat of temporary injury to patients due to a defect that caused it to become loose at the stem/bone interface. When the device loosens post-operatively, the patient may be left with serious pain and limited range of movement, as well as bone loss and tissue damage. If the damage to the joint is not too severe, you may be able to have the defective device replaced with a new elbow implant. If you do not seek medical attention to fix or replace the device, the bone and tissue damage may continue.

What Are the Signs of Device Loosening?

Any patient who has been implanted with the artificial elbow needs to understand the signs of device loosening. These patients may experience pain that radiates down the forearm, and you may hear popping or other noises in the joint when you move it. Your range of motion may be limited, and you may not be able to extend or bend the arm or twist the arm side to side as if you were tightening a screw. If you notice any of these symptoms you should speak with your doctor about having an implant evaluation. If the device has loosened, an attorney who is deeply experienced in defective medical equipment litigation and skilled at negotiations will be able to help you seek justice and compensation for the injuries you sustained.

How Do I Know if my Implant Was Recalled?

Most patients who receive an implant have little idea who made it or what make and model it is. Most don’t know the product number and whether the device they were implanted with was the one that was recalled. And while these may be common questions for patients, they should not be an issue for an experienced defective medical device attorney. Your attorney can review your medical records and figure out what elbow device you were implanted with and whether it was recalled because of defects.

Do I Have a Lawsuit?

Patients who may qualify for a lawsuit include those who received the defective implant prior to the recall and have suffered tissue damage, bone loss, and pain and had to endure additional surgeries to repair or replace the implant with a different device. These patients may be entitled to seek recovery of the damages they sustained and the pain they suffered.