On February 7, 2022, along with over 140,000 knee replacement implants, Exactech, Inc. also recalled over 1,500 Vantage Ankle System implants due to the accelerated wear caused by a defective insert component. In this post, you'll learn which ankle devices are affected by the recall, what prompted the recall, and what you can do if you've been implanted with a defective device.

 

What Exactech Ankle Devices Are Affected By the Recall?

As with the knee replacements, Vantage ankle implants with a certain shelf-life were recalled in August 2021. The February 7 recall covered all Vantage ankle devices, regardless of shelf-life. 1,561 Vantage ankle implants have been sold since 2016.

• Recall #1: In August 2021, Exactech recalled all Vantage devices that would have a shelf life of 5 years or more as of August 31, 2022.
• Recall #2: On February 7, 2022, Exactech expanded the recall to include all devices containing the defective inserts.

 

About the Exactech Vantage Total Ankle System

Exactech’s Vantage Total Ankle Systems were implanted in patients undergoing ankle replacement surgery. The ankle implant has a polyethylene (a common plastic used in joint replacement implants) insert, which fits between the shin and foot bone. The insert is intended to act as the cartilage or cushion for the replaced ankle joint. In its product brochure, Exactech emphasizes the polyethylene insert’s effectiveness in minimizing surface damage and wear.