Mr Crampin’s Story – “I was shocked to see how much it had failed”

Stephen Crampin is one of several patients represented by Fletchers Solicitors in legal action against Zimmer Biomet, the manufacturer of the NexGen knee implant. The claims allege that the company was aware of issues with the device years before it was withdrawn from the UK market.

Mr Crampin, 75, from Southampton, had a NexGen knee replacement fitted in September 2016. Soon after surgery, he began to experience persistent pain and swelling in his knee. “It was constant,” he said. “It got worse whenever I moved, but I just tried to get on with it.”

In 2023, Mr Crampin received a letter informing him there was a problem with the particular type of implant he’d received and asking him to attend a review at Spire Hospital. He underwent an X-ray and consultation, but at that time no issues were identified.

However, during a further review in December 2024, he was told there was evidence that the joint was failing and he was listed for revision surgery. He underwent the procedure in July 2025.

Mr Crampin said his surgeon told him that during the operation, part of the lower joint “actually fell out” as it had become completely loose. “I was shocked to learn just how much the device had failed,” he said. “It’s hard to deal with, and I can only imagine how many other patients who had the same product put in must be really worried.”