Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Orthopaedics division is facing a new metal hip implant lawsuit from an Indiana resident who reportedly experienced device complications from one of the company’s hip implants. The claimant alleged the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implant failed and compounded his medical condition.

Plaintiff Lee E. underwent total left hip replacement surgery on Dec. 07, 2009, opting for the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implant. Lee agreed to get the device implanted after going over different options with his orthopedic doctor. Soon after having the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implanted, Lee reportedly started experiencing device complications.

According to medical records Lee exhibited signs and symptoms of metallosis, or blood metal poisoning, after large amounts of cobalt and chromium were found in his blood. In addition, the metal ions also affected the surrounding bone and tissue, ultimately leading to tissue death and infection.

In addition to the device complications, Lee was also experiencing inflammation as well as severe pain and discomfort from the slightest movement. These problems eventually forced Lee to undergo revision surgery on May 18, 2015, during which the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implant was removed.

Lee opted to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson after discovering the numerous problems associated with the company’s metal-on-metal hip implants.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

The DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implant is an all metal hip implant, which means there are no plastic or ceramic components in the device. When metal hip implants were first introduced to the market, they were advertised to be overtly superior to their ceramic and plastic counterparts.

Metal hip implants were thought to be longer lasting and more durable than other options, and were customizable to patients. However, patients soon reported device complications related to device failure and blood metal poisoning.

When the all metal ball-and-socket joints of the device interact inside the patients, the metal ions are shed into the bloodstream and cause a number of complications. Along with metallosis, patients have reported severe pain and discomfort, death of the surrounding tissue, corrosion, fretting, and formation of pseudotumors.

Even though these problems can be very problematic for patients, a number of manufacturing companies allegedly failed to warn the public.

Lee is filing this metal hip implant lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for allegedly failing to warn him against the complications associated with the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement implant.

Lee states that he never would have opted for the implant, if he had known the risks associated with the device.

This Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-01056-K, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.