Zimmer Knee Question

Hi Friends,

Previously, kneereplacement surgeries were reserved for very old patients who were severely crippled by osteoarthritis. "Now patients in their 40s and 50s are experiencing an earlier onset of osteoarthritis that affects their daily lives.

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kneereplacement

First, I should introduce myself by disclosing that I am a sales rep for one of the major orthopedic device manufacturers. I've seen over a thousand knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow replacements done by several dozen different orthopedic surgeons. I've seen both primary and revision arthroplasty, cases that have gone well and cases that have not. It's true that I'm paid to see my devices implanted, therefore my opinion might be biased. While I am not a doctor and not qualified to give medical advice, I hope whatever knowledge I can provide helps you to have a better understanding of joint replacement.

I'm in no legal position to speak regarding recalls, however let me point out there is a difference between a device recall and the recall of an instrument used to implant a device. It's important to distinguish between the two because the severity of a device recall is much greater than that of an instrument. Be sure you understand exactly what was recalled before you go into panic mode. Instrument recalls are not uncommon and you may find one that relates to the device you received. That's usually not a big deal. Keep in mind there are hundreds of instruments available at the time of surgery and, for example, one might be recalled because a screw has a tendency to come loose and potentially be lost in the soft tissue. Device recalls are much less common and affect only a very small percentage of people who undergo joint replacement. I should leave it at that.

I don't need to explain the business nature of product liability lawyers. They serve a purpose by protecting consumers and holding manufacturers accountable for the things they produce. That's a good thing. Just don't lose sleep when you see them advertising BAD KNEE REPLACEMENT. Fear gets a response out of people.

We device manufacturers are often accused of blaming surgeons for their technique when problems become associated with a device. As a sales rep I take full responsibility for anything a doctore does with one of my devices. Keep in mind, however, that any symptoms you may feel postoperatively might not necessisarily device related.

The advice I always give friends and family members in need of joint replacement is to look for a surgeon who has a lot of experience with or does a high volume of that particular procedure. It's good if you can find walking success stories. Learn from them, if you can, and do the same things they did.

Using caps-lock is obnoxious should reserved only for words of great importance: DO YOUR PRE-OP AND POST-OP PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Lastly, for more information google "Arthritis 411" for a free app from the iTunes store. This app allows you to personalize information specific to your age, gender, and area of pain. It also provides information on alternatives to joint replacement.

I hope this helps. The ability to maintain a mobile and active lifestyle is so important to preserving health overall. Don't let arthritis slow you down!

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<pre>Are you dealing with chronic pain? Recovering from an injury or
contemplating joint replacement surgery? I know of a non-invasive,
non drug based form of licensed therapy that can eliminate pain and
decrease recovery times dramatically. Not a gimmick or experimental,
I went through it following a rotator cuff tear. It is a free no
obligation treatment that they do to prove they can help. If you would
like more information send and email to adks2005@hotmail.com
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I had my knee replacement last few years ago. Unfortunately, the operation was become unsuccessful after few month I've experienced some sort of the pain in my knee so I decided to file a case against the unsuccessful zimmer knee recall.

schoust...I most definitely agree with Becky. I am one of the few that has
taken longer to recover....but I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP. You must never
GIVE UP....just keep a postive attitude which is very important for the surgery.
Keep doing all the therapy and exercises you are given.

You will be just fine. It has been 2 years for me...and I still know that one
of these days...I am going to be just fine. HANG IN THERE...you will do
GREAT.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS,
Vlc Vicki

With out a doubt this is what scares the crap out of me! The Horror stories!! I know for a fct that there are lots but I try and lkepp that stuff repressed and out of my mind. If anyone has any info on the new generation of S&N TKR plese tell... Soon I will have one and I hope to God it works..........

Hi! Two years ago I had a Zimmer NexGen rotating hinge put in. Things were fine until 8 months later when the PIN came out of the hinge! Oh yes, this was put in by Mayo Clinc! Anyway, they had to go in again to replace it. I'm afraid most of the time that it will buckle forward and make me fall as it has done in the past. OS said I need to build up my quad and that won't happen any more. How does that work??

Becky

Wow Gerry Me TOOOOOO. I guess the FDA should get some emails about them I mean some more Check out my Post

See an attorney but only after having the doctor give it the good scan, not just an exray. Also contact Zimmer and complain

Missy I have had bilateral and as well as another replacement. Bike ridding and the total gym does the job You have got to build muscle mass. If you were more active prior to the operation you would recoupe faster. Go for it a little at a time

This is my 2nd joint knee replacements and they were both Zimmer. They both came loose within months. I am going on my 3rd in June. The pain is terrible. I cannot sleep, walk, sit or too uch of anything else. My life has pretty much stopped. Can you tell me which or if any parts have been recalled or if there is any lawsuits on the Company?

Thank You

I'm a 46-year old male who is 2-years post-op from a very successful TKR on my right knee. I've frequented this discussino group for the past 2-years and I've noticed one very important thing. Everyone seems to have done a great deal of research about the implant but I never hear anyone talk about the guy putting it in. I did a lot of research before I had my TKR but the one thing that I never did was asked what brand of implant was being put in; didn't care (it's a Stryker Homedica). Seems to me it's more important to spend some time selecting a surgeon. I ran background checks on both the surgeon and the hospital. In my mind it seems like a surgeon whose has been doing nothing but TKRs for 15-years without one failed one probably knows more about what should go in my knee than I do. Also, I don't think that using lawsuits or lack of them is a good way to choose an implant. Remember, these are medical devices and when they fail they're going to cause lawsuits because the failure causes pain and suffering.

There are many lawsuits involving Johnson & Johnson knee repolacement systems.

Do not get ZImmer. Many bad reports.

I had Total Knee Replacement March 21st, 2005, I went back to work after 8 weeks, somedays I think I'm doing good and others I have lots of swelling and its very sore, I have trouble doing steps, my big question is will it always feel so artificial and also it pops most days. I still limp, and can't walk very far at one time. The Dr. tells me I'm doing good, but I guess I thought by this time I would not have any pain & swelling at all.

I am having a lot of problems with the Zimmer knee. TKA performed Nov2003-Manipulation APR 2004. After 2 years I STILL have pain. even more than before the TKA!!!! One OS suggested replacing the cursed thing. I almost punched his lights out!!!!
Please contact me-
Thanks

The Justice Department is looking into the practise of manufacturers like Smith Nephew, Stryker, Johnson & Johnson paying doctors to handle only their brand of knee replacements. My understanding is that this is not legal that is why the Justice Department is looking into it.

I am planning surgey in january and was going to get the Zimmer replacment. What went wrong. thanks matt

I found out that I have Zimmer in my right knee which is great! But, I have Striker Howmedica in left knee which is not so good. But, I think the OS I had last year messed me up by putting in an extra large implant.........which led for me to have a revision this past october.......the new os just replaced the plastic with a larger piece and fixed the stretched ligaments. He wanted to leave the implant in for then, for it was well cemented, but now its causing me problems again.

Hello Mpapkov.... I just got back to my computer after 10 days and just got your message. I had 2 Zimmer knees put in on March 2 (8 wks ago)and I think there just great !! They seem to work for me but as everybody says, it allo depends on the attitude for recovery and how fast one recovers. Keep moving them as much as you can....do the rehab... My new knees feel just fine....they "click" just as they have been saying on all the chat rooms...so I'm pretty sure that's relatively normal...but, if you haven't noticed, I'm very happy with them ! Logsndogs