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Weitz & Luxenberg is accepting cases of patients who are experiencing complications or needed revision surgery because of a DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate. These devices are used to repair severe fractures of the distal femur where the bone has broken into multiple fragments.

The distal femur is the portion of the thigh bone that flares out above the knee. These types of fractures can be complex to heal, especially when the break consists of more than two pieces, and can lead to permanent disabilities if not treated properly

The DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate is made of stainless steel and titanium alloy and is intended to provide stability for such fractures.

Patients and healthcare providers, however, have reported complications regarding the device, especially instances where the plate has broken inside of patients, requiring revision surgery.

Failure of DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate

Researchers and healthcare providers have noted early mechanical failure of the DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate following surgery. They specifically link the device with bending and breaking of the plate, causing implant failure and requiring revision surgery.

In an article published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that early failure with the Synthes variable angle locking compression plate (VA-LCP) was statistically significantly higher than with another type of plate, occurred more frequently when used with certain types of fractures, and thus “caution[ed] practicing surgeons against the use of this plate for metaphyseal fragmented distal femur fractures.”

An abstract presented at the Orthopaedic Research Society’s annual meeting last year described similar failures of the DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate, with surgeons observing similar fractures of the device in patients after implantation and commencement of weight-bearing.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database has hundreds of reports of adverse events occurring with the device since 2011, many of which discuss breaking or fracture of the plate.

Complications with the DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate

As the MAUDE database reveals, reported complications in patients with the DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate include pain, infection, and fracture of the device, with the latter necessitating revision surgery.

W&L Can Help Patients Harmed by the DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate

Weitz & Luxenberg’s Drug & Medical Device Litigation Unit is interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced a plate fracture or break necessitating revision surgery after receiving a DePuy Synthes 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate.

Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. An experienced attorney can help explore all legal options.

W&L’s Drug & Medical Device Litigation Unit Practice Group Co-Chair Ellen Relkin has played a lead role in several major medical device litigations, including helping to secure a $2.5 billion settlement for patients harmed by defective DePuy ASR hip implants and a $1 billion resolution over recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants.

Weitz & Luxenberg is ready to assist you and offers a free consultation. Contact us at (833) 544-0604 or by using the online form on this page to discuss your legal options.

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