Patrick Malone & Associates is representing patients who have been infected with tuberculosis (TB) by a contaminated medical product used in their surgeries. The infection with the tuberculosis bacterium is believed to come from a single dead patient who had TB whose tissues were used in a bone repair product.
“Any medical product containing human material must be tested rigorously to make sure it is safe before being used in patients,” said Patrick Malone. “Clearly that didn’t happen here. Our clients are seeking answers to how this happened and how it can be prevented in the future.”
More than 100 patients who received implantation of bone putty as part of their orthopedic surgeries were infected with tuberculosis (TB), and eight of those patients may have died as a result, according to the Washington Post. The bone putty, known as FiberCel, was manufactured by Aziyo Biologics Inc., and the contaminated putty was made in part from tissue taken from a single donor cadaver that was infected with TB. Aziyo has recalled 147 containers of FiberCel, which had been shipped to 37 facilities in 20 different states in March and April of 2021.
TB is a bacterial infection that typically attacks the lungs but can also damage the kidneys, spine, brain, and can be fatal if left untreated. Someone with an active TB infection may have a long-lasting cough and may cough up blood. Other symptoms include chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, lack of appetite, fever, chills, and night sweats. If you had orthopedic surgery in March 2021 or later in which FiberCel was used, and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you believe you or a family member was infected with TB as a result of the use of FiberCel in a recent surgery, you may want to contact the experienced medical malpractice and medical products liability attorneys at Patrick Malone and Associates.
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