Injuries Related to Medtronic InFUSE Bone Grafts

The InFUSE bone graft was approved by the FDA in 2002 for surgery on the lower parts of the spine, called the lumbar and sacral regions. The InFUSE device is used to promote bone growth. It consists of a synthetic liquid protein that is placed inside a metal fusion cage and implanted in the spine.

Serious side effects and injuries have been reported by patients receiving InFUSE grafts, including:

• Male sterility
• Bone loss
• Uncontrolled bone growth at or near the site of surgery
• Severe and chronic pain

• Cancer
• Uro-genital injuries
• Additional medical intervention or emergency surgeries
• Life-threatening complications when used for neck surgery.

Medtronic has been accused of downplaying the risks by between 10 and 50 percent. A respected periodical, The Spine Journal, devoted its entire June 2011 issue to the troubled history of InFUSE, including reports that doctors have been paid exorbitant sums to overstate the benefits of the device and minimize dangers.

If you or a loved one believe that you might have an injury claim related to the use of an InFUSE device in neck or back surgery, please contact The Driscoll Firm, LLC, at 314-932-3232 for a free consultation. An experienced InFUSE bone graft lawyer is available to discuss your legal rights, including the possibility of bringing a lawsuit to obtain financial compensation.

Dangerous Complications From InFUSE Bone Grafts

In 2008, the FDA warned the public that it had received reports of life-threatening injuries associated with the use of Infuse in cervical fusion procedures. This use has not been approved by the agency. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation to review Medtronic’s involvement in promoting such off-label uses. The U.S. Senate is also investigating the issue.

Among the reported complications in cervical surgeries:

• Swelling of neck and throat tissue
• Compression of the airway and/or neurological structures in the neck

• Difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking
• Severe dysphagia.

The FDA has recommended that InFUSE not be used for:

• Children
• Women who are pregnant or might be pregnant
• Patients who are allergic to any of the materials contained in the device
• Patients who have an infection near the area of the surgical incision

• Patients who have had a tumor removed from the area of the implantation site or currently have a tumor in that area
• Patients whose bones have not stopped growing.

Contact an Experienced InFUSE Bone Graft Lawyer Today

Across the nation, people who have been injured or placed at risk of future harm from InFUSE bone grafts are taking legal action. In some cases, financial compensation is available. If you or a loved one has had neck or back surgery using an InFUSE device, contact an experienced injury attorney at The Driscoll Firm, LLC, for a confidential case evaluation today. Call 314-932-3232.

The Driscoll Firm, LLC, has a proven record of fighting for people injured through the use of medical devices such as InFUSE bone grafts and securing compensation they need and deserve. John J. Driscoll solely represents plaintiffs and focuses his practice on complex product liability cases, consumer class actions and personal-injury litigation.

For more information:

• North American Spine Society
• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/29/business/29spine.html?pagewanted=all