Manufacturers Settling for Defective Hip Implants

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:

• Confusion
• Feelings of malaise
• GI disorders
• Recurring infections
• Emotional disturbances
• Dizziness
• Skin rashes
• Headaches
• Feelings of burning, tingling or numbness in the extremities

Additional signs of a defective implant may include:

• Pain in the groin, hip or leg regions
• Swelling near the hip joint
• Limp or change in walking ability
• Popping, clicking or squeaking from the hip joint

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.