Infuse is a type of bone graft manufactured by Medtronic. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 as a means to promote bone growth using a synthetic protein called recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2). Infuse was first used to assist with spinal procedures like spinal fusion, before moving on to tibia recovery in 2004 and certain dental operations in 2007.
As a bone graft, Infuse is meant to fill in the spaces where bone was needed (either removed due to surgery or the result of a disease). When bone issues like these are present, people can suffer forms of back pain and crippling arthritis that has stopped them from enjoying their day to day activities. They go to the doctor to relieve their pain only to be given the Infuse bone graft, which Medtronic has been accused of paying off some doctors to push on their patients in the past. Patients who have experienced the side effects of Infuse may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of a medical attorney.
While it was considered a revolution for bone surgery back when it was introduced, Infuse has been found to be connected with serious side effects as more and more people report suffering injuries afterwards. Some of the injuries include:
- Male Sterility
- Nerve Injury
- Bone Injury
- Infection
- Increased risk of cancer
- Urination problems
Today, Medtronic is facing hundreds of lawsuits from Infuse bone graft claims. The company has been accused of hiding the serious side effects from the public, leading to large groups of patients being unwillingly exposed. Infuse has been estimated to be used in 100,000 spinal fusion operations annually, and in 2011 Medtronic made $900 million in sales.
Patients who have already spent thousands of dollars from taking a spinal fusion now face the risk of further damage from Medtronic’s product. A qualified pharmaceutical attorney who has been following Medtronic’s reactions to these lawsuits can help those affected, by leading them to acquire their damage claim. Patients and their families may have legal options if they have been affected by Infuse. After Personal Injury can connect you with a medical lawyer that will understand your needs and work for your case. Contact us today.
