High Hip Implant Failure Rate Leads to Lawsuits, Recalls

Metal-on-metal hip implants were initially considered to be more durable than the older devices. However, post-marketing data suggests that metal hip implants are subject to corrosion, which causes the device to shed metallic debris. This metallic debris can cause painful side effects, such as:

• Dislocated hip
• Death of tissue that surrounds implant
• Metallosis
• Toxic substances in bloodstream
• Non-cancerous tumors
• Cancer
• Degenerative heart disease
• Loss of bone strength

While these metal-on-metal hip implant complications are not life-threatening, they can be debilitating and painful. When complications arise, replacement surgery is required. The metal-on-metal hip implants have a significantly higher failure rate than older hip implants. Due to the higher than average failure rate posed by the device, the Johnson & Johnson metal hip implant was recalled in 2010.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants Have High Failure Rate

Manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants have been plagued by lawsuits and recalls. Because these metal-on-metal hip implants were similar to other devices that were currently on the market, the manufacturers were not required to perform extensive safety tests before releasing the devices on the market. The high failure risk was only revealed in post-marketing data.

The unusually high rates of early failure of these implants have caught the attention of doctors, patients, lawyers and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), raising concerns about the long-term viability of these products. Several of these metal-on-metal hip implant devices have been recalled.

Since February 2011, the FDA has been investigating metal-on-metal hip replacements after receiving complaints that metal ions that are released can cause significant side effects and lead to device failure. The American Association for Justice recently submitted a letter to the FDA in support of legislation that would require manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants to conduct a more extensive safety review of their products in order to continue selling them.

Increasing Number of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson has experienced a significant drop in profits because of the hip implant recall. The company has also been faced with numerous lawsuits from plaintiffs who have suffered hip implant injuries. Johnson & Johnson has set aside $3 billion to pay for damages and legal fees associated with these hip implant lawsuits.

If you or someone you love has suffered a metal-on-metal hip implant injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation. To learn more about your legal options, visit the DePuy, Biomet, Wright Medical Technology & Others, Metal on Metal Hip Implant Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. When you submit information about your hip implant injury, a class action attorney will conduct a free evaluation of your situation to determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit. If your lawsuit is successful, you may receive compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses you suffered because of the injury.