Biomet Inc. is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of product liability claims alleging problems with the Magnum hip implant, which is based on a metal-on-metal design.

One of the most recent metal hip implant lawsuits was filed by a man from Minnesota, alleging the company had failed to warn him against the allegedly defective nature of the Magnum hip implant.

Plaintiff Phillip G. says he opted for the Magnum hip implant after his physician reviewed the marketing claims and product information from Biomet. The Magnum hip implant is typically recommended to patients who suffer from diseased or damaged hip joints, and are looking to restore their movement.

However, Phillip alleges Biomet failed to warn him and other patients that the Magnum hip implant had been linked to serious complications. According to the metal hip lawsuit, Phillip had started suffering serious device complications soon after the device was implanted and will have to undergo revision surgery.

It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure, because of greater risk of infection. Phillip opted to file legal action against Biomet, after discovering other patients had suffered serious device complications from the Magnum hip implant and had to undergo revision surgery.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

When metal on metal hip implants were first introduced to the market, they were thought to be superior to their plastic and ceramic counterparts. Manufacturers advertised them as having a longer life, with many of them customizable to patients. But it was soon discovered that all metal hip implants came with major complications.

Metal on metal hip implant complications have been serious concerns for the medical community and patient population for many years in the United States, with numerous patients having to undergo revision surgery.

The Magnum hip implant is one of these all metal hip replacement prosthetic systems, with its components made from specific alloys. The femoral head and stem are the artificial ball and socket components, which are designed to simulate hip function.

Metal hip implant complications are usually caused by the all metal ball and socket joints interacting and shedding metal ions into the bloodstream, which often causes metallosis, or blood metal poisoning. Patients can experience a number of metal hip implant complications including, but not limited to:

• Infection
• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Formation of Pseudotumors
• Debilitating Pain
• Limited Range of Motion
• Tissue Death

These complications are often only resolved through revision surgery, which may further compound the patient’s health. It is important to note that Biomet represented the Magnum hip implant as an all metal hip prosthetic that was resistant to excessive wear, to which many patients experienced the opposite.

Phillip states he would not have agreed to have the Magnum hip implant implemented, if he had known about the high rate of device failure.

Phillip’s metal hip implant lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2391, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar problems with the Magnum hip implant. Phillip is seeking a multitude of damages against Biomet, including negligence and failure to warn. This Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00668, in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Indiana.