An unexpectedly high number of patients who have received a DePuy or Zimmer hip prosthesis have reportedly found themselves in need of a hip revision. If you have had hip surgery with this product, you may be among them. Plaintiffs in current metal hip replacement lawsuits claim these products were poorly designed and tested. Here are some of the indications of hip prosthesis failure and possible health consequences.

What is Hip Revision?

Normally, hip replacement surgery goes quite well, with most patients going on to enjoy active lives. However, there have been a number of hip replacement products, primarily metal-on-metal (MoM), that have been subject to premature failure. Among them are certain DePuy and Zimmer hip implants.

Why Are These Hip Replacements Failing?

The ball and socket components of MoM hip implants are typically made from a cobalt and chromium alloy (CoCr). These were intended to be a more durable, longer-lasting alternative to the traditional ceramic and polyethylene materials. Instead, two things can reportedly happen:

• When the metal ball moves against the socket, it sheds microscopic particles of CoCr, known as ions, which are then released into the surrounding tissues and bloodstream.
• Bone erosion about the joint causes the prosthesis to come loose, accelerating device failure.

According to German researchers, the latter is the direct result of the former; the metal debris release into the tissues impair the growth of new bone. As these particles are released, they also cause inflammation. Furthermore, because these metal bits are microscopic, they can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, causing a form of toxicity known as metallosis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that while orthopaedic surgeons take precautions when they place these devices to minimize the risk of metal wearing against metal, “there is no way to fully avoid the production of metal ions and some metal particles.”

“Over time, the metal particles around some implants can cause damage to bone and/or tissue surrounding the implant and joint,” notes the FDA. “Soft tissue damage may lead to pain, implant loosening, device failure, and the need for revision surgery.”

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Prosthesis Failure?

Unusual pain in the hip or groin area following recovery is one of the first signs that you may need hip revision surgery. This may be accompanied by a skin rash or odd discoloring. Eventually, you will lose mobility and, eventually, may be unable to stand or walk at all.

Metallosis can impact other parts of the body. In a case study published in 2015 in the European Journal of Radiology, a 55-year-old man who had undergone hip replacement surgery experienced fever, general fatigue, blood in his urine and unusual weight loss. Upon examination, he was found to have a mass in the affected hip; blood tests revealed that he was suffering from anemia.

Metallosis can also affect mental processes and result in impaired circulation. Patients may also complain of dizziness, respiratory distress and hearing and vision loss.

What Specific Products Are Affected?

Three products that are known to fail prematurely are:

• DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System
• DePuy Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System
• Zimmer MMC Cup hip implant

Other hip implant products may also have caused complications. Consumers have filed lawsuits against DePuy, Stryker, Biomet, Zimmer, and more. Major manufacturers have agreed to settle hip implant cases, sometimes for millions of dollars.

What Can I Do?

Legally, you have the right to hold the manufacturer of the implant accountable. If you have had an MoM hip replacement that has turned out to be defective, an experienced product liability lawyer can assist you in building a case in preparation for filing a lawsuit.

A growing number of hip implant recipients are coming forward with allegations against their implant’s manufacturer, alleging they have suffered from serious, long-lasting, and even permanent complications as a result of a defect with the device.

If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects of a defective hip implant, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially when going up against a major pharmaceutical medical device manufacturer, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.