Metal on Metal Hip Recalls Linked to Blood Poisoning and Other Serious Side Effects
As more and more patients suffer severe complications, lawsuits stemming from defective hip replacement implants continue to increase
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures that thousands of patients undergo each year. Patients turn to hip replacement procedures for relief from a wide variety of ailments including osteoarthritis, congenital diseases such as hip dysplasia, trauma and degenerative changes due to age. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, there were 310,800 total hip replacements performed in 2010 alone. The goal of a hip replacement is to alleviate pain and provide the patient with a greater quality of life through increased motion and stability. Unfortunately, thousands of hip replacement patients have experienced serious side effects that are arguably worse than the original condition.
Metal-on-metal hip implants are the source of a vast majority of hip replacement recalls and legal claims. The primary consequence of metal-on-metal devices results from the friction between the ball and socket joint. Metallosis occurs when metal particles are released into the bloodstream and soft tissues surrounding the joint and have the potential to damage bone, tissue and cartilage. Symptoms of a defective hip implant a varied and include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Cardiomyopathy
- Skin rashes
- Hearing and vision loss
- Neurological impairments including depression
- Kidney failure
- Thyroid problems
Based on the number of patients that experienced problems from a metal-on-metal hip replacement, DePuy Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, issued a recall of their ASR Acetabular and Resurfacing system in 2010. Other orthopedics manufacturers including Stryker, Biomet, Wright, Smith & Nephew and Zimmer have issued similar recalls. Despite these recalls, there are still some metal-on-metal hip replacement devices on the market. It is important to research and understand your options prior to any major surgery.
Recent statistics indicate that more than 9,000 lawsuits based on DePuy’s hip replacement devices have been filed. Juries have ordered millions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages. If you or a loved one has suffered side effects following a hip replacement surgery, contact an experienced medical products liability attorney as soon as possible. The law limits how long you have to file a claim after you become aware of an injury. To schedule a free initial consultation at the Leonard Legal Group, call (973) 984-1414 or send an email. Our experienced and trial-tested New Jersey injury attorneys aren’t afraid to go up against powerful manufacturers to ensure that your best interests are protected.