Southampton: Patient suffers 'unbelievable' pain over NexGen implants

Andrew Hurst is among more than 10,000 patients who have received NexGen implants made by Zimmer Biomet, which has now told hospitals to stop using the product.

Specialist lawyers handling his case say concerns about the implants were raised as far back as 2015 - the year he had his operation.

More than 10,000 patients are thought to have received faulty knee replacements. Stock image (Image: PA)

Following left knee replacement surgery Andrew began to suffer swelling and post-operative pain that got progressively worse.

The self-employed carpenter found himself unable to walk without experiencing considerable discomfort and had to give up work.

He was finally recalled for corrective surgery in March last year and hopes to make a full recovery.

Describing the aftermath of the first operation he said: "You know there’s going to be some discomfort following knee surgery but the swelling and pain were unbelievable.

"The result has been seven years of agony and having to give up the job I love.

"The problems with this knee replacement implant were known about and I think we have a right to know how this was allowed to happen. People with NexGen should have been recalled as soon as the problems were known."

Patients given faulty knee replacements have asked specialist lawyers Irwin Mitchell to take up their case (Image: PA)

Andrew, 62, is one of the patients who have asked specialist lawyers Irwin Mitchell to take up their case.

Irwin Mitchell's other clients include a 55-year-old Southampton woman who has been in constant pain since a knee replacement operation in 2017.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, said: "The last four years have been a living nightmare.

"Knee pain impacts your whole life. I can’t manage stairs any more and even sleeping or moving in bed becomes impossible, with every move agony.

"I think we have a right to know how this situation was allowed to happen the way it did. Nothing can turn the clock back but those of us affected have waited long enough to have this put right."

Tim Annett is a product liability and medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

He said: "We've been asked to investigate whether the implants our clients received were defective and are committed to supporting them as they pursue the answers they deserve. If mistakes have been made, lessons need to be learned."

Zimmer Biomet has been contacted for comment.