Despite settling 13 lawsuits involving 22 patients in the amount of $16.2 million dollars, the University of Missouri said it remains confident in the expertise and dedication of the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and the Mizzou BioJoint® Center’s innovative, science-based procedures.
“Providing safe, quality care is always our top priority, and we remain committed to excellence in restoring joint health and function for eligible patients,” said Eric Maze, communications strategist with University of Missouri Health Care.
Some 22 plaintiffs sued over BioJoint procedures after they allegedly lead them to have to totally replace their knees in surgery, according to media reports.
“There was no determination that there were any misleading marketing practices, the University denies that any marketing materials were misleading and the settlements were made to avoid the delay and expense of further litigation,” Maze told the St. Louis Record.
The litigation also alleged violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, according to a press release, and the University denies the settlement was related to personal injury or false advertising.
“Providing and reviewing extensive information about the benefits and risks prior to all surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute is standard practice so patients can make the best decisions about their health care,” Maze said.
As posted on their website, Mizzou BioJoint surgery, which transplants human tissue into the knee joint, was marketed as an alternative to knee replacement procedures.
“Mizzou BioJoint Center treatments involve natural solutions that have the potential to improve joint health and function for eligible patients,” Maze added.
Plaintiffs further alleged that Dr. James Cook, who helped pioneer the surgery, was falsely represented as an orthopedic surgeon and physician.
"This was not a settlement related to personal injury or false advertising," Maze said.
“Patients from 30 states and 9 countries have chosen treatment at the Mizzou BioJoint® Center. Treatments are provided by a team of physicians and scientists at the University of Missouri Health Care that has developed surgical and non-surgical technologies that help protect and restore tendons, ligaments, cartilage, menisci, and bone to improve joint function.”
