A woman from Arizona recently filed legal action against Zimmer Inc., with her claim alleging she suffered serious injuries from metal hip implant failure.

This claim is joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), which consists of other metal hip lawsuits from claimants alleging they suffered serious device complications that severely compounded their medical conditions.

According to the metal hip lawsuit, plaintiff Marilyn R. underwent total right hip replacement surgery on Jan. 30, 2007, in which the Zimmer Durom System was implanted. However, Marilyn reportedly suffered painful complications associated with metal hip implant failure not long after the procedure.

Marilyn reportedly had the Zimmer Durom System implanted for typical treatment purposes, which generally helped restore hip function. According to the claim, the Zimmer Durom System is a metal on metal hip implant that was supposed to be a safe and effective prosthetic that was supposed to restore function in damaged or deteriorated hip bones.

However, Marilyn reportedly suffered a number of painful side effects that eventually forced her to seek medical attention. According to the claim, Marilyn underwent revision surgery to treat these injuries on May 23, 2018. Marilyn reportedly continues to experience severe pain and suffering allegedly due to long term complications related to metal hip implant failure.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

While they were on the market, metal on metal hip replacements were popular choices for patients needing to undergo hip replacement surgery.

At least 500,000 patients have undergone total hip replacement surgery, with the majority of the patients being elderly aged and often do not have to get these devices replaced for up to 20 years. However, patients who have had metal on metal hip implants have allegedly been experiencing premature device failure due to serious design flaws.

Metal on metal hip implants consist of all metal ball and socket joints, which interact and simulate hip function. However, metal ions can be shed into the bloodstream because of this component interaction.

This can cause metal ion levels in the blood to rise to dangerous levels, which can quickly compound a patient’s health including increasing risk of cancer and cardiomyopathy. Other injuries allegedly caused by metal on metal hip implant complications can consist of:

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

Oftentimes these complications from metal hip implants are so painful that they interfere with the patient’s daily routine, which typically creates the need for revision surgery. It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery.

Metal Hip Implant Failure Lawsuits

Even though metal hip implant complications can be devastating to patients, Zimmer allegedly failed to disclose the risks or information to the public. At all times relevant, Marilyn and her physicians relied on the marketing materials and product information provided by Zimmer, and parent company Biomet, and had no reasons to believe she was in danger of suffering device complications or implant failure.

Marilyn’s metal hip lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2158, where it will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges. Marilyn’s metal hip implant lawsuit, like those it stands alongside, is seeking a multitude of damages from the manufacturer, including counts of negligence and failure to warn.

Her Metal Hip Lawsuit is Case No. 2:19-cv-09591-SDW-LDW, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.