The Dangers of Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements

Hip replacement surgery is expected to produce positive results for as long as 20 years or more, however, many metal-on-metal hip implants are failing within as little as 5 years or less. Your metal-on-metal hip implant may be defective if you experience pain in the groin, hip, or leg regions; swelling near the hip joint; a limp or change in walking ability; or hear any popping, grinding, clicking, or squeaking from the hip joint. A defective metal-on-metal hip implant may lead to the loss of muscle mass, fluid build-up, pseudotumors, and carcinogenesis (development of cancerous cells). Depending on the severity, these and other complications can require unexpected correctional surgery.

Particularly serious is the complication of metal poisoning, known as “metallosis.” This condition is caused by flakes of chromium and cobalt entering the body from excessive friction between the implant’s metal ball and metal socket. If not addressed, metallosis can lead to severe complications including intense pain, tissue and bone death, and organ failure. A blood test indicating elevated levels of chromium and cobalt is necessary to confirm the presence of metallosis. Initial side effects of metallosis may include confusion, feelings of malaise, gastrointestinal problems, emotional disturbance, recurring infections, dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, and feelings of burning, tingling, or numbness in the extremities.

Recently, the premature failure rates and design flaws of metal-on-metal hip replacements have prompted several manufacturers to voluntarily recall one or more of their products. As a result, many lawsuits have been filed against companies such as Biomet, DePuy, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Wright Medical Technology, and Zimmer.

The law offices of Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. are here to passionately advocate on your behalf. If you or a loved one has unfairly suffered the complications of a defective metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact the mass tort attorneys at NRS TODAY at 216-289-4740 or Toll Free from Ohio at (855) GOT-HURT. Because this is a mass tort claim, there is only a limited amount of time to act!