In a recent study of more than three million Medicare
patients, researchers have found that knee replacement surgery has more than
doubled in the last twenty years among older patients. Medicare patients aged
65 and older are attempting to stay active, even as their bodies continue to
age.
The number of knee replacement surgeries each year doubled
between 1991 and 2010, rising to nearly 244,000 surgeries in 2010. The number represents
an increase of 162 percent.
Similarly, revision surgeries rose by 106 percent in the
same time period.
Rise in Knee Implants
Caused by Obesity
Though the upsurge can be attributed to elderly patients
wishing to remain active in their older years, there is another factor that
might not come as a shock: obesity. A long-time reigning epidemic, obesity is a
major cause for knee-replacement being necessary in the first place.
Patients might want to be more careful when considering knee
replacement options, as several companies and brands have been reported as
defective. Often these knee replacements cause severe problems, and require corrective
surgery.
Defective Zimmer
Knees Cause Severe Injuries
Zimmer Knee implants in particular have been a huge problem
for many patients who receive surgery. A number of Zimmer knee implants have
caused complications. Some of which include:
- Loosening or fracture of knee
- Dislocation of joint
- Misalignment
- Disassembly
- Bone fracture or nerve damage
- Swelling
- Infection
- Poor range of motion
- Swelling
- Infection
- Poor range of motion
- Pain
- Immobility
Zimmer is currently the target of a lawsuit—so before you
decide on going through with surgery, be sure to talk with your doctor about
which options are best for your case. If you’ve been injured, consider talking
to an attorney who has years of experience in handling knee replacement injury
lawsuits.
