Failure of toxic metal hip implants may leave a patient with metallosis, a type of metal poisoning that can lead to local tissue damage and systemic complications.

Metal on Metal Hip Replacements

More than half a million Americans have undergone hip replacement surgery. Many of these surgeries have involved metal on metal hip implants. These implants are manufactured and distributed by many surgical device companies, including Biomet, DePuy, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Wright Medical Technology, and Zimmer.

A metal on metal hip implant is a type of prosthetic hip where both the ball and socket of the joint are made of metal. Metal on metal hip replacement devices have been marketed as more stable and longer lasting than similar devices made from plastic or ceramic.

However, these metal devices may also be more dangerous than their plastic counterparts. Many patients have reported that metal hip replacements can lead to severe side effects, including pain, dislocation, and poisoning. These allegedly toxic metal hip implants may lead to the release of metal ions into the bloodstream, or metallosis.

What is Metallosis?

Friction from metal on metal hip implants may grind off small pieces of metal from the joint, leading to local damage or inflammation of the joint as well as ion poisoning of the blood.

This may lead to metallosis, a medical condition where metal debris builds up and forms deposits in the soft tissues in the body. Metallosis may result in painful symptoms, including pain from grinding metal pieces, swelling and inflammation, loosening of the implant, tissue necrosis, and other complications.

Symptoms of Metal on Metal Hip Implant Failure

In addition to metallosis, metal on metal hip implants may also fail prematurely, requiring revision surgery. Symptoms of impending hip replacement failure may include:

• Leakage of metal ions or toxic substances into the bloodstream
• Failure of the hip implant, often requiring revision surgery or replacement
• Dislocation of the implanted joint
• Tissue damage or loss of tissue surrounding the joint
• Pseudotumors around the implant
• Degenerative heart disease
• Cancer
• Cobalt poisoning
• Thyroid dysfunction, including fatigue, weight gain, or neck discomfort
• Fretting or corrosion of the implant
• Swelling of the surrounding tissues
• Inflammation of the joint
• Skin rash or hypersenstivity
• Chronic pain

According to the FDA, metal on metal hip implants may also result in neurological or psychological changes. These additional side effects may include sensory changes, including auditory or visual impairments, as well as depression or cognitive difficulties.

Toxic Metal Hip Implants Result in Lawsuits

Thousands of victims of toxic metal hip implants have filed lawsuits against the medical device companies responsible for manufacturing and distributing the replacement joints. Families of deceased victims may also be able to file wrongful death suits on behalf of their lost loved ones.

If you or a loved one have required replacement or revision surgery following a failed or toxic metal hip implant, you may qualify to join a hip replacement lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for your injuries, suffering, and medical expenses.