More than one million Americans have a knee or hip replaced each year to relieve pain, improve movement and help the joint function better. However, many metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants are failing in as little as five years or less.
Defective MoM implants can lead to the loss of muscle mass, fluid build-up, pseudo tumors and carcinogenesis, the development of cancerous cells. One of the most serious conditions, called metallosis, or metal poisoning, is identified through a blood test. If left untreated, metallosis can cause intense pain, tissue and bone death, and even organ failure.
What to Watch For
Initial side effects related to a defective MoM implant can include:
Additional signs of a defective implant may include:
Hip dislocation may occur when the muscle deteriorates. Depending on the severity, these and other complications may require unexpected correctional surgery.
MoM Hip Replacement Recalls/Lawsuits
Responding to premature failure rates and design flaws of MoM hip replacements, several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled one or more of their products. As a result, many lawsuits have been filed against multiple manufacturers including Biomet Inc, Styker Orthopaedics and DePuy ASR, a Johnson & Johnson company. Revision surgery is generally a pre-requisite for any MoM hip legal case, but it is not necessary to pursue a claim, if conditions for revision are evident.
What to Do
The hip replacement attorneys of Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. are here to passionately advocate on your behalf. If you or a loved one has suffered a complication of a defective MoM hip replacement, call the metal-on-metal hip replacement lawyers at NRS now at 216-289-4740, or toll-free at (855) GOT-HURT. We will evaluate the feasibility of a lawsuit and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.