Medical Experts Warn Against Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

Metal-on-metal hip implants have been associated with a higher failure rate than similar hip implants. A 2012 study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet analyzed data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales. Based on this data, the study concluded that metal-on-metal hip implants were much more likely to fail than other designs of artificial hip joints. Their analysis uncovered that more than six percent of metal-on-metal hip implants failed within five years, compared to 1.7 percent of metal-on-plastic joints and 2.3 percent of ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants.

As a result of this study and others, various bodies have made recommendations against metal-on-metal hip implants like those manufactured by the Stryker Corporation. For example, the various surgeons of the British Hip Society made the recommendation that surgeons do not implant patients with metal-on-metal hips. As a result of the continuing problems, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued responses to the mounting evidence of serious complications associated with these devices.

In 2011, the FDA issued a statement that evidence had surfaced of high failure rates with metal hip implants, but further evidence was required before they could make a more definite recommendation. In mid-2012, the FDA formed an advisory panel to evaluate the Lancet study. At present, the FDA had not yet changed policy, but continues to evaluate data.

However, while the United States government has not yet banned metal-on-metal hip implants, many hip manufacturers have recalled their products. For example, Johnson and Johnson and DePuy have both recalled their own metal-on-metal hip implant. The Stryker Corporation followed suit in 2012. In June of 2012, the Stryker Corporation issued a Class I recall of their ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System due to the mounting evidence of serious complications.

Since nearly 500,000 Americans have already received Stryker’s metal-on-metal hip implants, lawsuits are being explored against Stryker. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer knew – or should have known – about the serious risks associated with their metal-on-metal hip implants. The lawsuits further allege that the manufacturer downplayed these risks, or failed to act on them in a timely manner, preventing patients and health care professionals from having the information they needed to make informed medical decisions.

If you or someone you know received a Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant and suffered serious complications, you need to remember that you have rights and you can take steps to regain control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Stryker Metal on Metal Hip Implant Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Here, you enter your information for a free consultation by a legal specialist with a background in this type of legal situation. From here, you can receive guidance on the best next steps to take in your specific case.