If you or a loved one have been injured or required revision surgery for a defective hip implant, contact us or call toll free 1-800-448-0883 free consultation and case evaluation by our product liability lawyers.
Metal-on-Metal Hips Failing at High Rates
Recent studies suggest that the failure rate with metal-on-metal hip implant is as high as 30%. That means that thousands of patients will be negatively impacted by the metal-on-metal hip implants. Each year in the United States approximately 250,000 patients undergo hip replacement surgery. Of those 32% are implanted with metal-on-metal hip implants.
Depuy Orthopedics, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson company) and Wright Medical Technologies manufacturer several metal-on-metal hip implants each causing significant injuries to patients.
DePuy/Johnson & Johnson manufactures the following metal-on-metal hip implants:
- ASR XL Hip System
- Pinnacle Hip System
- Ultamet (metal liner)
Wright Medical Technologies manufactures the following metal-on-metal hip implants:
- Conserve Total Hip System
- Profemur Total Hip System
Serious Complications Caused by Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
The scientific literature supports that the following complications are associated with metal-on-metal hip implants and can be caused by the shedding of metallic debris:
- Pain
- Swelling
- High levels of chromium & cobalt
- Problems walking
- Loosening
- Fracture
- Dislocation
- Metallosis
- Need for revision surgery
If you or a loved one have been injured or required revision surgery for a defective hip implant, contact us or call toll free 1-800-448-0883 free consultation and case evaluation by our product liability lawyers.
Damages Persist After Removal of the Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant
Despite a patient’s symptoms, the extent of the injury will not be known until after a revision. In fact, some orthopedic surgeons have been surprised at the level of metallosis their patients have suffered. There have been cases where the patient has been described as having psuedotumors and necrotic tissue. In these cases, much more tissue will have to be removed. The extensive removal of tissues will cause many more problems in the future. Patients will suffer longer healing times, weakness in the hip and leg, frequent dislocations and additional surgery. In some cases, the new implant will fail. In all, it is a life altering surgery that will result in changes in social, physical and work related activities of the patient.
Even after a difficult revision surgery, patients may experience long-term health issues. Recent studies have shown that 24% of patients who had revision surgery experienced worsening symptoms. These symptoms resulted in 1/3 of those patients having additional surgery. Other studies have shown that elevated metal ion levels in the body will continue to expose patients to adverse toxic effects, including heart problems and nervous system issues. Thus, it is important for orthopedic surgeon to closely monitor their patients with metal-on-metal hip implants.
If you or a loved one have been injured or required revision surgery for a defective hip implant, contact us or call toll free 1-800-448-0883
On the Web: More Information on Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
- Metal on Metal Hip Litigation Rapidly Expanding, 20 Feb 2012
- Hundreds of thousands exposed to toxic compounds from metal-on-metal hip implants, MassDevice, February 12, 2012
- Surgeons call for end to metal hip replacements, BBC News, 5 Mar 2012
- Business as Usual: Johnson & Johnson Puts Profits Over Patient Safety, 21 Mar 2012
- Again & Again: Johnson & Johnson Disregards Patient Safety, 23 Mar 2012
- Report: Medical implants rarely tested, CBS News, 28 Mar 2012
