OMNI Apex K2 Hip Replacement System

The OMNI Apex K2 Hip Replacement System is one of several artificial hip implants that have been linked to serious complications. If you have experienced complications from your OMNI Apex K2 hip replacement system, you may be entitled to compensation. Under North Carolina law, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell defective devices may be liable for any injuries resulting from their product’s use. Patients receiving these hip implants were expecting to have more mobility and less pain after surgery, yet, these metal-on-metal hip implant devices have been linked to life-altering complications.

If you or your loved one have experienced complications after a hip replacement surgery, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation.

While the FDA has not yet recalled the OMNI hip replacement system, there have been many complaints about the safety of this product. A regulatory agency of Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, has already issued an alert for these medical devices. The agency reported that these types of hip implants have a high failure rate, specifically a 9.3% failure rate after three years.

Medical device manufacturers originally advertised metal-on-metal hip implant devices as sturdier and safer than other types of implants. Unfortunately, metal-on-metal hip implants have been linked to serious complications, including Metallosis, or metal poisoning. Tens of thousands of patients throughout the United States have needed hip revision surgeries to remove defective metal-on-metal hip implants manufactured by the following:

• DePuy
• Biomet
• Smith & Nephew
• Wright
• Turner

Typically, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recalls medical devices after a significant number of complications are reported. While OMNI implants are not currently on the recall list, it is a possibility that they will be added if enough patients report complications.

Patients usually decide to undergo hip replacement surgery to regain mobility and increase their quality of life. More than seven million U.S. residents have undergone hip replacement surgery in hopes to gain a new lease on life. Unfortunately, patients who receive a defective implant often need revision surgery. Hip revision surgery can be riskier and is often considered to be more invasive and painful than the original surgery. These revision surgeries often require reconstruction of the affected area, which can cause serious damage to the surrounding bones. Surgeons frequently need to break the prosthetic off of the bone because they are designed in a way that the bone grows to attach to the implant. If a defective implant is not removed, there is a risk for further complications.

When the metal components of the implant rub together, small metal particles may flake off and damage the surrounding tissue, bone, or both. This is called an “adverse local tissue reaction” or “adverse reaction to metal debris.” The following complications may result from metal-on-metal hip implants:

• Dislocation of the hip implant
• Severe and chronic pain around the hip joint and throughout the body
• Metallosis (metal poisoning)
• Infections that can lead to sepsis, or blood poisoning
• Failure of the implant requiring a hip revision surgery
• Loosening of the hip implant
• Inflammation
• Vision impairment
• Heart problems
• Hearing or vision loss
• A rash at the sight of the hip implant
• Clicking or popping of the hip joint
• Cognitive impairment

Even though the K2 hip implant system received approval by the FDA in 2004, the product may pose the risk of releasing particles of titanium from the implant into the body. As noted above, an Australian health agency has already noted the abnormally high failure rate of these hip implant devices, and this device is no longer approved for use. If you or your loved one has received the K2 hip implant device, it is important to discuss it with your surgeon, even if you have not yet experienced any adverse symptoms.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming a potential lawsuit can be, especially when dealing with health complications. We are here to help. If you think your hip implant might be defective, it is important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. North Carolina law imposes a three-year statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits, so it is important to act before it is too late. Contact one of our attorneys today to get started.

For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help fight for the compensation you deserve.