Artificial hips are constructed of a cobalt chromium alloy. The daily grinding action of the hip joint causes rubbing of the components, potentially leading to the release of toxic heavy metal particles. A metal on metal hip replacement lawsuit claims that premature hip implant failure is another risk in addition to release of chromium and metal cobalt shavings. The release of these metal ions can also lead to metallosis, damages the tissues in the hip area and elevating the levels of chromium and cobalt in the bloodstream. If you had a metal-on-metal hip replacement and are experiencing symptoms of implant failure, an Arkansas Hip Replacement Lawsuit Attorney can help determine if you have a case.
For more information, contact Linville Johnson today. We offer free, no obligation consultations, and we can help you determine whether you have a claim. You can contact us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 501-777-7777, or emailing us at [email protected].
Why Hip Replacement Systems Fail
Although the majority of hip replacement devices work correctly, there are certain instances where some system parts can incur extraordinary wear and tear. The result is metal debris and tiny fragments being released into the blood system. The body often eliminates these components along with urine, so they do not always produce adverse effects. Problems mainly arise when the metal particles accumulate in the hip joints or the bloodstream. When this happens, a reaction in the surrounding tissues can occur. The worst case scenario results in significant tissue damage or complications in the nerves, muscles, bones and tendons.
Device Makers Face a Hip Replacement Lawsuit
Most highly durable metal-on-metal implants are intendedto withstand a patient’s active lifestyle. They are supposed to wear less and handle more extensive use than implants made of other materials. However, durability comes with risks. All-metal hip implants can possibly shed metal particles, and a link to multiple dangerous health issues such as metallosis has been identified.
The design flaws of metal-on-metal hip replacement implants are creating myriad claims of early failure rates. This prompted a nip replacement lawsuit against several hip implant device makers, including:
- DePuy Orthopaedics, maker of the ASR and Pinnacle hip replacement systems
- Stryker Orthopaedics, maker of the Rejuvenate and ABG II systems
- Biomet, maker of the M2a hip devices
- Wright Medical Technology, maker of the Conserve Plus and Profemur hip stem
- Zimmer Holdings, maker of the Durom Cup
Patients who have received any of the above hip replacement systems are encouraged to speak with an Arkansas Hip Replacement Lawsuit Attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Risks and Complications Associated with Metal Hip Devices
Some of the complications linked to hip replacements are a result of the metals used in the implant construction. When all-metal hips are used in hip replacement surgery, patients can suffer serious complications, including inflammation and swelling, decreased mobility, metal poisoning and severe pain in the hip, thigh or groin. Dangerous circumstances may require patients to undergo revision surgery. The most common complications include implant dislocation and device wear. Other complications can include:
- Infection
- Loosening of the implant
- Soft tissue calcification
- Bone death
- Fractures
- Death
With any surgery, complications can arise. All hip implant devices, regardless of the type, can have complications. Some problems are detected immediately while others may not surface for years.
Multidistrict Litigation and Class Action Lawsuits
A class action is when a group of people with the same kind of injury jointly file one lawsuit. Although an enormous amount of hip implant suits has been filed across the nation, they are not recognized as class action lawsuits. The hip replacement lawsuits instead have been either individual cases in state courts or consolidated in one federal court in a process called multidistrict litigation (MDL).
The primary advantage is that plaintiffs consolidating cases have their cases heard quickly without having to give up the right to individualized compensation for unique injuries. Then after completing the pretrial phase, the cases are heard separately in the courts where they were first filed.
When a Hip Replacement Fails
The intention of metal-on-metal hip replacement implants is to assist patients experiencing limited mobility and function. It is also to provide relief for those with severe pain in their natural hip joints by placing the implant in a hip joint and femur. However, when hip implants fail, a hip revision surgery is necessary to repair, reconstruct or replace the implant completely. Hip revision surgery involves breaking or dislocating previous hip implant devices. It comes with elevated health risks because it is extremely invasive.
People with all-metal hip replacement systems are likely at risk of developing many ailments related to the wear and tear of individual components. Hip replacement system failure may make you eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the metal-on-metal hip replacement system.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
If you have questions about a hip replacement lawsuit, or if you want to speak with an Arkansas Hip Replacement Lawsuit attorney, contact the Johnson firm today. You can contact us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 501-777-7777, or emailing us at [email protected].
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to get more information about your case. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and all of the information you provide is confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.