When experiencing the symptoms of knee failure, you may be wondering what to do next. A doctor can help you determine if your knee is really failing and how to best address problems. Here are a few questions you should ask regarding your artificial knee implant along with the answers to expect:
- Why is my knee more unstable and painful? The knee could be shedding plastic debris or the knee is loosening. Reactions to this include fluid build-up and possibility reduced mobility.
- How long does a knee implant last? After 20 years, around 85% of artificial knee joints are still functioning. If a joint malfunctions in the first five years after surgery, and you haven’t experienced any trauma, it is likely the implant is defective.
- What type of implant do I have? You must know what brand you have implanted before you proceed with a second surgery. If your implant has a history of failures, this will allow your doctor to know what is wrong, as well as give you the information to seek legal help.
- Is a second surgery mandatory? It may or may not be, depending on your overall health and the condition of the implant. If the implant is releasing plastic debris, for instance, you’ll need the implant removed.
- What is done during a revision surgery? The procedure is more complicated than the first due to undertaking more procedures. Bone loss and scar tissue may result, causing stiffness and preventing long-term mobility. The defective implant must be removed and bones must be cleaned of fixative agents. The second implant will also not be anchored as well due to bone loss.
- Should I get a lawyer? If failure is a result of a defect, it is absolutely necessary to seek legal counsel. Do not sign anything or agree to surrender the prosthetic. You will be entitled to damages and compensation due to likely mobility problems after revision surgery.
As a Zimmer knee recall lawyer, I highly advise asking your doctor these questions if you have any doubts and seek legal counsel, should you require one in the Zimmer knee lawsuit.
