Because prosthesis implants can be exceptionally adept in helping people regain their mobility without pain and discomfort, thousands of patients have been implanted with replacement systems. However, hip, knee, and ankle implants have an established history of severe issues and defects.
Beginning in the summer of 2021, Exactech began recalling polyethylene liners for some of its knee and ankle implants, specifically Exactech Connexion GXL acetabular liner in hip replacements. The manufacturer issued the recall due to early failure of the liner from wear and tear, stating that: “There is a risk of edge-loading and premature prosthesis wear, so it is possible in a specific subset of patients with certain implant configurations and surgical implant positioning.”
By February 2022, the company expanded its recall to include “all knee and ankle arthroplasty polyethylene inserts packaged in non-conforming bags regardless of label or shelf life.” In June of 2021, Exactech issued a letter informing its purchasing doctors that the company was phasing out the polyethylene Exactech GXL Connexion liners used in its Novation, Acumatch, and MCS systems hip replacement products. However, this is not a recall, and the company will transition to its new XLE polyethylene liner infused with Vitamin E.Exactech's Dangerous Delay in Full Recalls
