Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements Pose Serious Risks
Metal on Metal artificial hips are producing complications and injuries not seen with their plastic or ceramic predecessors. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has drawn attention to the problems of these specific prostheses.
Total hip replacement systems consist of a ball and socket just like an organic hip. When both the ball and cup are made of metal, in the course of normal movements, such as walking or running, the metal ball and metal cup slide against one another. If the design is imperfect, complications can arise. Excessive friction, excessive looseness, mis-placed components all come with the risk of pain, metal ion release, pseudo tumors and lymphocytic inflammation.
With catching and grinding, friction can cause small metal particles to separate from the implant. These metal particles may remain in the space between the ball and cup causing inflammation, soft tissue injury or metal ions may enter the bloodstream.
The consequences of these particles can vary from one patient to the next. In some cases, low concentrations of metal ions can affect a patient's nervous system, heart or thyroid gland. In still other cases, separated metal particles may cause hip or groin pain, swelling and numbness, ultimately leaving an individual unable to walk.
For anyone with a DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip implant it is important to understand that these risks exist and to pay attention to signs that the device may be malfunctioning.
An appropriate course of action will depend on the individual circumstances. In the event that you experience these symptoms and have a metal-on-metal hip implant, make an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon to evaluate the implant. In severe cases, you may be required to have the hip implant replaced.
For those who have suffered adverse reactions to these devices, there is legal recourse. Hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed in California State Court on behalf of patients nation wide. If you have suffered harm as the result of a hip implant, you should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your potential legal claims.
Additional Resources:
- Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Additional Information and History About the Defective DePuy ASR Hip Implant Recall
Walkup Obtains $8.3 Million Dollar Verdict in First Johnson & Johnson DePuy Hip Implant Case
Walkup partners Mike Kelly, Matthew Davis and Khaldoun Baghdadi tried the first DePuy ASR metal on metal hip defect case in the country. The trial was located in Los Angeles County and given a preferential trial date because our client has terminal cancer.
It was a difficult case due to the client’s host of unfortunate medical illnesses. Johnson & Johnson nominal pretrial offer was rejected, and the case proceeded to trial. This morning the jury awarded Loren Kransky $8.3 million dollars in damages. This result will not only help Mr. Kransky, but also help the over 10,000 people who have pending DePuy ASR hip cases.
Recent DePuy Litigation Updates:- Walkup Obtains $8.3 Million Dollar Verdict in First J&J Hip Implant Case
- J&J Jury Told Hip Has Many Design Defects Causing Failure
- NYT Editorial: What a Company Knew About Its Metal Hips
- J&J Engineer Studied Hip Redesign for 3 Years, Jury Told
- KPBS: DePuy Hip Implant Problems In San Diego
- Bloomberg News: J&J Said to Offer Implant Pact That May Reach $2 Billion
- ABC News interviews Walkup Lawyer about DePuy Litigation
- Mike Kelly Appointed to Lead DePuy JCCP
