Orthopedic surgery expert witness advises on defective knee replacement

ByKristin Casler

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Updated onOctober 3, 2017

Orthopedic surgery expert witness advises on defective knee replacement

Orthopedic surgery expert witness advises on woman’s claim that a defective knee replacement component caused her injury. The plaintiff was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and patellofemoral malalignment. She underwent a total knee replacement using a system designed by the defendant. After a few months, the plaintiff was in pain, and another surgery was performed. A piece of the knee prosthesis — a polyethylene tibial insert — was replaced.

After the procedures she developed an infected right total knee prosthesis and underwent a prolonged and debilitating course of multiple extensive surgeries, hospital admissions, rehabilitation and prolonged courses of antibiotics and pain medications.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. What caused the plaintiff’s injuries?

2. Was the medical device defective?

Expert Witness Response

inline imageThe plaintiff’s injuries were caused by a defective polyethylene tibial spacer that I removed during the subsequent surgery. I personally observed pitting and delamination of the tibial polyethylene component. The damage could be seen by the naked eye.

inline imageI am fully familiar with the appearance and surface texture of this product and its component parts. This type of pitting and surface changes are extremely unusual. These changes were diffuse and involved the entire surface of the polyethylene component.

inline imageHad the polyethylene component not been defective there would have been no need for subsequent surgery after the initial total knee replacement, and there would have been no post-operative complications.

inline imageThe response to polymeric foreign body particles in the vicinity of a total joint replacement is now well known and well reported. The process is referred to as “particulate disease” and is due to the cellular response to the particles. The process can be activated by polyethylene wear debris. It is my opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the plaintiff’s symptoms were a consequence of such a cellular response to polyethylene debris.

inline imageThe expert is an orthopedist and plaintiff’s treating physician/surgeon.

About the author

Kristin Casler

Kristin Casler

Kristin Casler is a seasoned legal writer and journalist with an extensive background in litigation news coverage. For 17 years, she served as the editor for LexisNexis Mealey’s litigation news monitor, a role that positioned her at the forefront of reporting on pivotal legal developments. Her expertise includes covering cases related to the Supreme Court's expert admissibility ruling in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Inc., a critical area in both civil and criminal litigation concerning the challenges of 'junk science' testimony.

Kristin's work primarily involves reporting on a diverse range of legal subjects, with particular emphasis on cases in asbestos litigation, insurance, personal injury, antitrust, mortgage lending, and testimony issues in conviction cases. Her contributions as a journalist have been instrumental in providing in-depth, informed analysis on the evolving landscape of these complex legal areas. Her ability to dissect and communicate intricate legal proceedings and rulings makes her a valuable resource in the legal journalism field.

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