Hip Replacement Problems

BREAKING NEWS: A global settlement of $1.4 Billion was announced on November 3 that will help thousands of individuals who have had complications involving their defective Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II metal-on-metal hip replacement. To learn more about the Stryker settlement, fill out a Free Case Review Form or call us today at 1.800.887.8029 to see if you qualify for this settlement.

November 3, 2014: $1.4 billion settlement announced in artificial hip litigation, startribune.com

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Complications

Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements can cause serious complications by:

  • Releasing metal particles in patient’s surrounding tissue
  • Increasing the cobalt-chromium metal toxicity in the patient’s blood, tissue and organs
  • These metal particles can give rise to a condition known as metallosis

Metallosis

The alleged problem with these hip implants is that the metal-on-metal contact can cause complications by releasing metal particles in the patient’s surrounding tissue, increasing the cobalt-chromium metal toxicity in the patient’s blood, tissue and organs. The metal particles can give rise to a condition known as metallosis. Metallosis occurs when metallic fragments build up in the soft tissues that surround the artificial hip. Over time, the patient’s tissue and organs breakdown and can cause the device to fail. Furthermore, some may even be toxic causing adverse effects on the heart, nervous system and thyroid gland in some patients.

In February, the FDA warned of the risks of metal-on-metal hips, and directed all manufacturers of metal-on-metal hips to do additional monitoring/testing of patients who have received these kinds of products.

Issues and Side Effects

Patients have experienced the following complications and issues with their hip implants:

  • Swelling at or near the hip joint
  • Pain in the hip, groin or leg
  • Loss of mobility
  • Loosening of the hip replacement system
  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Additional hip revision surgery

Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Popularity & Failure Rates

Over the last decade, metal-on-metal implants have increased in popularity and have accounted for close to 1/3 of all hip replacements used, largely because they were marketed and advertised to physicians and patients as having a longer product life expectancy. However, serious concerns grew after physicians’ reported patients were experiencing high early failure rates. Following these reports in Australia and the United Kingdom, DePuy recalled one such metal-on-metal implant devices – the DePuy ASR hip implant. There are several other metal-on-metal hips manufactured by companies including DePuy, Zimmer, Wright and Biomet.

Manufacturers of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

  • DePuy
  • Biomet
  • Smith & Nephew
  • Stryker
  • Wright
  • Zimmer

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one have experienced severe complications from a hip implant, or have been told by your doctor that your hip replacement needs to be redone, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your potential legal claim. If you would like more information, or would just like to talk with a lawyer experienced in this litigation, please call us at 800-887-8029 for a free consultation or fill out our free case review form. Zimmerman Reed is experienced in handling defective medical device cases and we welcome any questions you may have.