What is a BioJoint?
A BioJoint is a new name for an old procedure of transplanting donor bone from a deceased patient to a living patient. It is, in effect, a type of transplant. These transplants are called ‘allografts.”
Are Biojoints safe?
Allografts are successfully used in limited circumstances: primarily as salvage procedures following bone tumors, or to replace small, isolated areas of cartilage damage. However, the process has not traditionally been used in replacing complete or near complete joints, such as the knee or hip. In fact, research shows that implanting two mating surfaces of a joint with allografts, or these so-called BioJoints, have a very high failure rate. Allografts are not normally used to treat joints affected by osteo-arthritis.
Are BioJoints experimental?
Possibly. In fact, some physicians performing these procedures are actively studying the short and long term outcomes of these procedures. If you received a BioJoint, and the experimental nature of the procedure was not fully explained to you, please call our law firm. We are actively researching this issue and would like to know what information is being provided to patients.
Is placement of a BioJoint malpractice?
Our firm is actively investigating this issue. If you have received a so-called BioJoint and have suffered any of the following, please call our firm to investigate?
- Infection
- Reoperation
- BioJoint failure
- BioJoint rejection
- Any other adverse outcome
What are the alternatives to a BioJoint?
You should consult an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement, but arthroplasty (replacement of the joint with metal and plastic components) has been the gold standard for 50 years. Total knee and total hip replacements typically last 15-20 years or longer. For patients with cartilage loss in only one compartment, partial knee replacement may be an option. If you have received a BioJoint and have any questions, please call our law firm to discuss whether or not you have a case. 314-721-8833, 800-557-8176
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