The lawyers at Bachus & Schanker are currently investigating metallosis and hip failure claims on behalf of patients who were implanted with a metal-on-metal hip replacement. Numerous medical manufacturing companies are facing serious and damaging litigation from patients allegedly injured by the devices. In fact, according to a 2011 article in the New York Times, mounting complaints against the manufacturers have led some to believe that the devices may become the most costly implant problem since Medtronic’s heart device component recall in 2007.
Until recently, nearly all hip implants were coated with plastic or ceramic. As reported by a June 2012
Huffington Post article, in the last decade, however, all-metal hip implants gained favor when laboratory testing suggested that these devices would be more durable and reduce the possibility of dislocation. Unfortunately, recent data from the
National Joint Registry of England and Wales shows that these metal-on-metal hip implants may fail at a higher rate. This data comes on top of nearly 17,000 adverse events reported to the FDA over a ten-year period on behalf of metal-on-metal hip implant recipients.
As reported by the Huffington Post, the pain and inflammation that metal-on-metal hip implant patients reported is usually caused by metal particles that are released into the body, damaging the surrounding tissue and leaking into the bloodstream. While the long-term effects of metallosis are not certain, some studies have suggested that high levels of heavy metals in the bloodstream may be linked to neurological and cardiovascular complications, according to the article. In fact, the possibility of heavy metal poisoning has become such a concern that a panel of experts suggested to the FDA that patients who have pain and other symptoms associated with heavy metal poisoning should contact a physician immediately to obtain regular X-rays and blood testing, the Huffington Post reports.
"We are seeing an increase in the number of patients who have been in constant pain since they received their metal-on-metal hip implant. These patients have lost their ability to work, maintain an active lifestyle, and enjoy their lives,” said Kyle Bachus, an attorney at Bachus & Schanker. “Many of our metal-on-metal hip implant clients have also suffered from the devastating effects of heavy metal poisoning and must now deal with the complications associated with those medical issues as well."
There are a number of hip implant manufacturers facing litigation over their products. Some of these companies include:
DePuy (MDL 2244 and MDL 2197)
Wright Medical Technology (MDL 2329)
Biomet Inc (MDL 2391)
As of August 2012, there were already more than 1,800 cases pending in the Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip multidistrict litigation.** Biomet is currently defending their M2a Magnum metal-on-metal hip implant system (MDL 2391) and Wright Medical Technology is currently involved in litigation for their Conserve Total Hip Implant System, Conserve Total A-Class Advanced Metal Hip Implant System and Conserve Resurfacing System (MDL 2329). Parts manufactured by Stryker have also been linked to the same injuries alleged in these suits, according to an article in Law360. The company recalled its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck stems in July 2012 over concerns that the devices could fret or corrode, causing pain and swelling, according to the article.
Individuals who have experienced complications related to a metal-on-metal hip implant are urged to seek legal counsel immediately. Injured hip implant patients may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To learn more about metal-on-metal hip implant lawsuits, please visit the Bachus & Schanker, LLC website at
http://www.coloradolaw.net/consumer-information/hip-implants.html or call one of the firm's experienced attorneys today for a free case review at 1-303-996-9824.
Sources:
*bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-21/hip-implant-concerns-reached-16-800-in-a-decade-fda-says.html
**ecf.txnd.uscourts.gov/doc1/17716695158
nytimes.com/2011/08/23/business/complaints-soar-on-hip-implants-as-dangers-are-studied.html?pagewanted=all
law360.com/articles/358385/stryker-recall-undercuts-key-defense-for-implant-makers
