Biomet has received reports of problems with a number of its metal on metal hip implants and systems, going as far back as 2001.

Many of the resulting hip replacement surgery lawsuits have been settled, but some are still working their way through the courts.

One of these lawsuits was recently filed by a Kentucky couple who claim that Biomet’s M2a Magnum hip system is defective and was not adequately tested before FDA approval and market release.

Plaintiff Yvonne S. and her husband David brought the Biomet lawsuit after Yvonne underwent hip replacement surgery in December 2007 where she received the Biomet Magnum M2a metal on metal hip implants in her left and right hip joints.

According to Yvonne, shortly after her hip replacement surgery, she began to experience severe pain.  She alleges that due to the defective design of Biomet’s hip system, she suffered from premature hip replacement failure, which caused severe loosening of the device and toxic levels of cobalt and chromium to be released into her body.

Yvonne was forced to undergo a second costly and painful hip replacement surgery in February 2016, where the surgeon noted metal on metal debris.  Having to go through revision surgery has subjected Yvonne to much greater risks of future complications than she had before her initial hip replacement surgery, her lawsuit states.

Yvonne and David bring claims of strict product liability, negligence, breach of implied and express warranty , and loss of consortium and are seeking judgment for general, punitive, and exemplary damages.

Biomet Hip Failure

Biomet’s most persistent problem is its M2a Magnum metal on metal hip implant systems. This hip replacement system has been the subject of hundreds of adverse event reports submitted to the FDA as well as a flood of hip replacement surgery lawsuits similar to Yvonne’s.

The M2a Magnum hip replacement has a greater range of motion and uses metal-on-metal construction, which is designed to extend the life of the implant. The product’s assumed lifespan and strength improvements made it the choice for many younger patients in need of a total hip replacement surgery.

But the metal on metal hip implants have experienced a high rate of hip replacement failure and patients can experience pain, swelling and bone fracture.

Hip Replacement Surgery Complications

The M2a Magnum’s metal on metal construction is believed to be a source of many of the hip replacement surgery complications. As the two metal components grind against each other over time, small metal flakes can be absorbed into the bloodstream and other areas of the body. Biomet hip replacement failure symptoms can include:

• Hip pain
• A sensation of grinding, or limitation of motion
• A fracture sometimes preceded by an audible pop

Biomet Lawsuits

In 2012, many of the existing Biomet hip replacement failure lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation. By 2014, Biomet had agreed to settle existing cases for no less than $56 million.

Patients who have experienced complications from a Biomet hip replacement surgery who were not part of the multidistrict litigation can continue to pursue individual lawsuits.

If you’ve received a Biomet hip replacement of any kind and are experiencing complications or have had to undergo revision surgery, you are likely eligible for compensation. To learn more, contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation.

The Biomet Hip Replacement Surgery Lawsuit is Case No. 3:16-cv-261 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, South Bend Division.