Exactech Implant Pain: Signs to Tell a Doctor

New pain, swelling, grinding or trouble putting weight on an Exactech joint? Tell your doctor. A recall alone does not mean your implant has failed.

What is the problem with recalled Exactech implants?

Many plastic parts were packed in bags missing an extra oxygen barrier. Over time, the plastic can wear down faster. That does not mean every implant will fail.

FDA says the bags lacked an extra layer that blocks oxygen. Oxygen can change the plastic over time, a process called oxidation. FDA says this can speed up wear and lead to cracked parts. It can also lead to a second surgery.

FDA says the parts in these bags were made from 2004 to August 2021. Knee, hip and ankle implants were affected. Exactech had more packing recalls in 2023 and 2024. Our recall details page lists the product names.

What signs should I tell my doctor about?

Tell your doctor about new or worse pain or swelling. Also mention grinding or other noise, weakness, or trouble putting weight on the joint.

FDA gives this list for anyone with an Exactech knee, hip or ankle implant. You do not need a recall letter to ask. Note when each sign started and what makes it worse. These signs can have other causes, so a doctor needs to examine you.

The orthopedic surgeons’ group AAOS says a failing knee implant can become painful and swollen. It may also feel stiff or unstable. AAOS adds that an infection around an implant can show up months or even years after surgery.

How is a failing implant diagnosed and treated?

Your doctor may start with an exam and X-rays. Blood tests can check for infection. Other scans may follow if the first tests raise questions.

AAOS lists X-rays, bone scans, MRI or CT scans, blood tests and testing fluid from the joint. In one study of Exactech knees, more than half of the patients with a loose part had no sign of it on plain X-rays. Ask whether more tests make sense if your pain does not go away.

Treatment depends on what the tests show. FDA asks doctors to discuss a second surgery case by case. It does not recommend surgery to remove an Exactech implant that works well and causes no symptoms.

What does the research say about Exactech implants?

Studies found early wear and loose parts in some Exactech knees and hips. They do not show that your own implant will fail. Your exam and tests matter most.

Researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery followed 7,941 Optetrak knees placed from 2010 to 2018. An estimated 86% had not needed another surgery after 10 years. In 209 of the 369 knees that were revised, surgeons found a pattern of plastic wear, inflammation, bone loss and loose parts.

A Nashville practice found that 17 of 896 Optetrak Logic and Truliant knees were redone because a part came loose. Patients often had knee pain and swelling that kept coming back. In a hip report, 5 of 204 hip replacements with one Exactech liner had severe wear and bone loss within five years.

Each of these studies looked back at patients from one hospital or practice. They describe groups of people, not you. They cannot predict how your implant will do.

Who may qualify for a claim review?

A lawyer can review your records if you have an Exactech implant and a problem with it. Signs alone do not decide a claim. Ask what proof is needed.

Exactech’s bankruptcy plan sent injury claims against the company to a trust. The trust’s claim rules ask for proof that you received an Exactech device. Our bankruptcy claims page explains how that works and what is still unknown.

What records should I keep?

Keep your surgery notes, implant labels, X-rays and visit notes. Write down when each sign started. Ask the hospital for any copies you are missing.

Exactech’s online check asks for the serial number of your part. Your surgeon or hospital may have it in your implant record. HHS says you have the right to copies of your medical and billing records, with few exceptions. A provider may charge the reasonable cost of copying and mailing them.