(openPR) - On March 11, 2010, several orthopedic surgeons participated in a discussion concerning a study on the failure rate of a certain type of knee replacement. The knee replacement is described as cementless. Knee replacements using cement use the cement to bond the thigh bone to the part of the knee replacement that bends. The drawback of knee replacements that use cement is the risk of the cement breaking down and causing device failure. Thus, some doctors recommend the use of cementless knee replacements which rely on the bone naturally fusing with the implant.

Cementless knee replacements however, also carry risks. According to the study, titled "The High Failure Rate of a High-Flex Total Knee Arthroplasty Design", a cementless knee replacement can become loose producing pain that necessitates a revision. The study investigated knee replacements made by Zimmer. The knee replacement is known as NexGen CR-Flex. In the study, 36% of the knee replacements became loose and about 8% were revised for loosening that caused pain. The study noted that loosening of the knee implant was unrelated to the surgical approach used to implant the knee replacement. The study concluded by advising against the use of Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee replacements.

About Knee Replacements

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, attempts to relieve pain and restore functionality in severely diseased knee joints. The most common causes of knee damage requiring knee replacement surgery are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other risks associated with knee replacement surgery include the risk of infection, knee stiffness, heart attack, stroke and nerve damage.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a New York law firm that represents people who have been injured by knee replacements. If you are suffering from pain after being implanted with a Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee replacement, Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers may be able to help. For more information on the Zimmer knee replacement, please visit:
www.weitzlux.com/zimmer-knee-replacement_1962206.html
For information on Weitz & Luxenberg, please visit:
www.weitzlux.com

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Media contact:
Jason Wentworth
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