Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit
Maryland Personal Injury Attorney Pursues Compensation For Damages
Patients who have received metal-on-metal (MoM) hips while undergoing hip replacement surgery may be eligible for compensation from the device manufacturers for medical expenses, pain and suffering caused by these devices.
What Is The Problem With Metal On Metal Hips?
MoM hips are implant devices used during hip replacement surgery that are claimed to be more durable and provide a greater range of motion than previous hip implant technology. New information contradicts these claims, and patients who received the implants are at risk of metal poisoning.
After only a few years following hip replacement surgery with a MoM implant, some patients have experienced inflammation around their hips and an excessive amount of pain. Upon closer examination, researchers have found that due to the construction of the MoM hips, typical movement of the body causes friction within the ball and joint area of the device. This continuous friction causes microscopic shavings of metal to be released into the blood and tissue of the patient.
The symptoms of a faulty implant include:
- Prolonged regular pain in the lower abdomen region, hips and legs
- Swelling of the legs and hips
- Difficulty walking
- Increased levels of metal in the blood
The Effects
As a result of malfunctioning implants, patients have experienced a number of dangerous side effects. One of the most threatening side effects is metallosis, an excessive accumulation of toxic metal in the body that causes damage to the nervous system, bones and tissues of the implant wearer. Due to a considerable amount of claims pertaining to implant failure, the FDA ordered manufacturers, including DePuy Orthopaedics, Stryker Orthopaedics, Biomet, Wright Medical Technology and Zimmer Holdings, to conduct studies to determine the failure rate of MoM devices. In response to this FDA mandate, many manufacturers issued recalls of devices, removed their devices from the market or suspended sales. The devices that have been recalled or removed from the market include:
- DePuy ASR
- DePuy Pinnacle (Ultamet or Metal Insert version)
- Stryker Rejuvenate
- Stryker ABG II
- Wright Profemur Z Hip System
- Zimmer Durom Cup
- Smith & Nephew R3
Thousands of patients who underwent hip replacement surgery have been forced to endure a second surgery to replace these faulty implants or risk further injury and illness.
Taking Legal Action
If you or a loved one have undergone hip replacement surgery using one of the listed devices, you could be eligible for compensation for the suffering you endured. A substantial number of lawsuits have been filed, arguing that the manufacturers of MoM implants made false claims about the durability and safety of the devices. These lawsuits seek damages for patients having to undergo multiple corrective surgeries, loss of wages due to work absence and further injury and illness. Thus far, many of the lawsuits have resulted in manufacturer settlements and significant rewards for victims.
The first step in this legal process would be to consult with your physician to assess any damage from a potentially malfunctioning device. Blood tests can be performed to determine the presence of dangerous levels of toxic metals in the blood. If you have already experienced symptoms or side effects or have had a replacement of a faulty MoM device, you should contact one of the experienced attorneys at Peter Angelos Law to discuss the best course of action pertaining to your claim.
Contact Peter Angelos Law by calling us at 410-216-0009 or filling out the online contact form to discuss your case.