Bone Cement Named as Likely Cause of Prosthesis Failure by Polymer Expert Witness

This case involves the failure of bone cement used during the installation of a knee prosthesis. The Plaintiff underwent left total knee replacement, and as part of the surgery, the Defendant surgeon used a specific type of bone cement to adhere the implant to the patient’s existing bone. A few months later, revision surgery was performed to remove the cement system and replace it with another similar system, due to complaints of pain and disability in the left knee made by the patient shortly after the first device was installed. It is alleged that the bone cement used did not adhere to the components of the knee prosthesis.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have experience working with/manufacturing knee prosthesis?

2. Do you have knowledge of the bone cement that is used to adhere knee prosthesis components?

3. Do you have knowledge of the complications that can occur if cement is not properly mixed, stored, or adhered to components?

Expert Witness Response

This case falls within my expertise and I would be happy to review. I have experience with orthopedic cement failure and have reviewed a previous case involving the failure of a knee prosthesis and it's components. In cases like this, any element of the prosthesis has failed shortly after installation, it is like that there was some deficiency in the installation, design, and / or manufacture of the implant or its components. Certain cements have a notably higher rate of failure than others, and if used on this patient it may be the likely cause of his pain and immobility.