Tulsa woman upset over knee replacement recall, undergoes multiple corrective surgeries

A resident of Tulsa expressed her frustration at having to undergo multiple knee surgeries due to defective implants from Exactech, which is now facing bankruptcy, complicating her involvement in a class-action lawsuit.

Whitney Allen, a victim of Exactech’s faulty joint replacements, shared her story of facing two additional knee surgeries within a short span of two years. Allen, who anticipated her knee replacement to last for two decades, found herself in a challenging situation when she had to undergo multiple corrective surgeries. Her active lifestyle, which included skiing and family trips, was significantly impacted, leaving her to deal with the aftermath of another major knee operation.

The journey has been fraught with frustration and financial strain, with Allen highlighting the added costs and disruptions to her work schedule and family life. The ordeal began in January 2016 when she received her initial knee replacement, followed by years of persistent pain and swelling. In May 2022, Allen received a letter notifying her of the recall of the implant, prompting two subsequent surgeries to address the damage caused by the defective part.

The initial attempt at surgery only involved the removal of the recalled segment, but it soon became evident that a more extensive revision was necessary. Allen underwent her first revision surgery in January 2023, followed by a second revision in December 2024, a testament to the challenges posed by the flawed implant. The visuals from the surgeries vividly showcased the issues with the insert, which had begun to deteriorate, leading to fragmentation within her knee.

The aftermath of the surgeries revealed the presence of microscopic fragments from the faulty implant in Allen’s muscles, further complicating her recovery and post-operative care. However, the path to justice and compensation has been clouded by Exactech’s bankruptcy filing in October, leaving individuals like Allen uncertain about their legal recourse. She expressed her desire to share her harrowing experience with the bankruptcy court, underscoring the difficulties faced by the 1,800 individuals involved in the class-action lawsuit.

In October 2024, Exactech filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, signaling its intent to reorganize its operations and develop a strategy for repaying creditors over time. Despite attempts to contact Exactech for their perspective on the matter, News On 6 received no response, leaving victims like Allen grappling with the implications of the company’s financial troubles.

For those seeking further information on the recalls and associated risks, resources from Exactech and the FDA are available for consultation. Allen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of corporate negligence and the challenges faced by individuals affected by defective medical devices.