Kentucky Metal on Metal Hip Replacement Injury Claims

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Metal-on-metal hip replacements are intended to help patients with deteriorating hip joints regain mobility. But some hip replacement systems have been linked to harmful side effects that threaten patients’ health and their future. Due to the serious nature of these side effects, some patients need to have follow-up surgery to remove the faulty device and have another hip replacement, causing them pain and costing them money. If you have a metal-on-metal hip replacement that has caused complications, you may be eligible to seek skilled attorney could help you pursue compensation for the harm that you have suffered.

At Becker Law Office, our medical device attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced and tough. We are a nationally recognized law firm that is dedicated to helping victims of faulty medical devices seek compensation after they’ve suffered injury. Our tenacious hip implant attorneys represent people whose lives have been disrupted by unsafe medical devices and corporate greed. Medical devices, such as metal-on-metal hip replacements, should improve your life. When faulty design, manufacture, or marketing of the device causes you harm, you should not be stuck with the medical bills. Our goal is to get you the compensation you need and conclude cases as efficiently as possible to help you regain control of your life.

The experienced lawyers at Becker Law Office are available to help. For a free consultation, call us or contact us online today.

Side Effects of Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements

Metal-on-metal hip replacements have a ball and socket that are made of metal. Five manufacturers make metal-on-metal hip implant devices, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Metal-on-metal implants have some risks unique to these systems in addition to the general risks that all artificial hip implants have. When the metal components rub against each other during walking or running, metal can flake off the device. As time passes, the metal particles can cause damage to the bone or tissue surrounding the implant. The tissue damage can lead to the hip implant loosening or failing and then further surgery to replace the implant.

Side effects of metal-on-metal hip replacements include:

• Tissues around the hip replacement may become numb to sensation.
• Soft tissues around the hip may swell, cause pain, and impair movement of the hip and surrounding muscles.
• Metal-on-metal hip replacement may cause severe pain in the hip and surrounding tissues.
• Reduced mobility. The hip and surrounding tissues may be weakened, resulting in trouble getting around.
• Metal toxicity is known as metallosis, an accumulation of metal debris in the body. Metal particles that flake off the moving metal parts of the implant may enter surrounding soft tissue and be spread throughout the body. This can create a wide variety of problems.
• Heart problems including damage and failure. Metal ions in the blood may disrupt the electrical functions of the heart and weaken the tissue of the heart.
• Neurological problems. Metal in the bloodstream may damage neurological function and disrupt hearing and vision. These problems may be temporary or permanent.
• Kidney impairment. This type of hip replacement may cause damage to kidneys and reduce their effectiveness at eliminating waste.
• Thyroid dysfunction. The body depends upon the thyroid system to regulate metabolism. When metal ions disrupt this system, hormone production, energy levels, and weight can be affected.

Warnings from the FDA and Subsequent Recall

For a long time, the FDA has had concerns about metal-on-metal hip replacements. In 2011, the FDA required metal-on-metal hip manufacturers to study their replacement hips. The studies were to analyze problems surrounding the shedding of metal ions by the hips.

The FDA has issued safety communications about the risks of metal-on-metal hip replacements. In 2013, the FDA warned that the metal-on-metal hip replacements might release particles of metal that could cause damage to surrounding tissues and bones. Hip loosening, hip failure, adverse reactions, and the possible need for further surgeries are listed as possible side effects. The FDA states that patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements may also suffer from elevated metal ion levels that could cause problems.

The FDA regulates metal hips as a Class III product, meaning that the FDA considers them to be higher risk medical devices. Although the FDA has not removed metal-on-metal hip replacements from the market, some medical device manufacturers have recalled their products.

Manufacturers have recalled some brands of metal-on-metal hip replacements. These include:

• DePuy ASR Hip Replacement systems
• Smith & Nephew R3 Metal Liners and related models
• Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II models
• Zimmer Durom Cup

These brands and others have been recalled for the dangers they present. If you have a metal-on-metal hip replacement, and you have suffered complications, as a result, contact a dedicated hip implant attorney to review your case and discuss your right to seek compensation. An attorney will review your medical records and help determine if recovery is available.

Filing a Lawsuit

Since metal-on-metal replacement hips can loosen or fail, many implant patients have required revision surgery to replace their defective artificial hips. This is painful and costly surgery that can result in serious complications. Patients who have been injured by faulty metal-on-metal hips implants have sued for the pain and suffering that their metal-on-metal hips have caused.

Thousands of lawsuits against metal-on-metal hip implant manufacturers are proceeding across the country as product liability claims. Patients who have suffered injuries allege that metal hips were faulty in design and that manufacturers did not warn of the dangers related to the hip implant systems. They allege that if they had known about the complications that the replacement hips could cause, they wouldn’t have used them.

Several multi-district litigation actions are currently taking place against metal-on-metal hip manufacturers.

Seek Legal Assistance for a Kentucky Metal on Metal Hip Replacement Injury Case

Hip replacement is a complex surgery and patients only undertake it when they need it. The hip replacements are supposed to improve mobility and help patients lead more active lives. Unfortunately, some metal-on-metal hip implants harm patients.

At Becker Law Office, we help victims who have suffered from defective medical devices such as metal-on-metal hip replacements. We understand how much pain you are going through and we’re here to fight for you. Our knowledgeable product liability lawyers have helped people injured by faulty hip replacements and other defective medical device victims recover compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one was injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement or another faulty medical device, we may be able to help you. We will investigate your case, gather your medical records and determine how your injury occurred. If your injury was caused by a faulty metal-on-metal hip implant, we will work to negotiate a settlement, and if needed, we will seek justice for you in court.

If you have a metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact us for a free consultation about your case. Call or contact us online today.