Exatech Hip Device Lawsuit Time-Barred, Tenn. Federal Judge Rules

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee federal judge has refused to reconsider her ruling that a lawsuit targeting Exatech Inc.’s AcuMatch hip implant is time-barred because there is a lack of evidence that the plaintiff suffered from a “latent disease” which would toll the limitations period.

On Dec. 20, Judge Pamela Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee concluded that the “latent disease” exception does not apply to the plaintiff’s claims.

Robert Brown underwent a total arthroplasty of his left hip in September 2001. During the procedure, which took place in Tennessee, Dr. Brian Covino implanted …