Recalls Involving Hip Replacement Systems

In August 2010, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Depuy Orthopaedics' ASR XL Acetabular Hip System. These hip replacement systems became available in July of 2003. This is just one of several hip replacement brands that have been recalled. Within only five years of the hip replacement systems being implanted, 13% of patients had to have them removed and replaced with another system.

Initial signs of infection include pain, swelling, and even difficulty walking. In most of the patients who needed an implant, the implant became loose, caused a fracture to the surrounding bone, or the implant ball and socket became dislocated.

The actual design of the hip replacement system can cause injuries and require a replacement. The types of materials used in the hip replacement system also plan an important role. In some patients, the design of the hip implant causes little bits of metal splinters off. The metal splinters can become embedded in the surrounding hip tissue. These injuries can result in the following:

• Pain when sitting or getting out of a seat or out of a car
• Pain while walking
• Pain in the thigh, groin, or hip
• Joint inflammation
• Feelings of depression
• Thyroid problems, including fatigue, weight gain, and general discomfort
• Skin rashes
• Vision or hearing problems
• Impaired kidney function
• Squeaking, grinding, and popping sounds for the hip joint
• Swelling around the hip joint
• Cardiomyopathy which enlarges and weakens the heart muscles

When the hip replacement system continues to inflict damage on the joint, the patient might need hip revision surgery. Thousands of Americans have needed hip replacement surgeries, many of them due to faulty hip replacement systems.

Hip replacement systems are expected to last at least 20 years. Unfortunately, design defects can cause problems within even a few years. If that happens, the patient will often need hip revision surgery. Every time a hip replacement needs to be replaced, the life expectancy for the future implant will become reduced. Manufacturers of hip replacement systems are often in a hurry to come out with the newest and best hip replacement system.

Many have introduced hip implants without testing and researching the design of the hip replacement system. Individuals throughout the U.S. have sadly become test subjects for these possibly dangerous and defective medical devices. Over the past few decades, the following types of hip replacement systems have been recalled entirely or based on certain components:

• Wright conserve cup
• Wright profemur
• Zimmer durom cup
• Biomet M24 magnum hip
• DePuy pinnacle metal-on-metal hips
• DePuy ASR hip replacement
• Stryker LFit V40 Femoral Head (used with Stryker Accolade hips)
• Stryker Rejuvenate/ABG II

In other cases, defective hip systems result in metal poisoning. Hope replacements that are made up of metal a metal materials cause a large number of hip implant problems. Heavy metal poisoning is extremely dangerous. Sometimes the body absorbs the metals, including chromium and cobalt that are used in the manufacturing process. Patients who suffer from heavy metal poisoning show a variety of different symptoms. They often require ongoing monitoring and medical care for the rest of their lives.

Some class-action lawsuits against hip replacement manufacturers have already happened, but not all have had their day in court. Some manufacturers, such as Smith & Nephew are currently facing multiple hip replacement lawsuits in several different districts. If you have suffered a hip replacement injury, we can help. You do not even need to know the brand of your hip replacement kit.

Our law firm can help you investigate your hip replacement surgery. We can help you determine whether or not you might be entitled to compensation. To recover compensation, you will need to prove that the hip replacement system's faulty design caused your injuries and the need for another hip system replacement. If successful, you will be entitled to compensation for the medical costs associated with your injuries as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Since many patients who receive hip implants are unaware of the type of hips used during their procedures or whether their system has been recalled, we can help. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and case evaluations. We will review the facts of your case and help you decide whether or not you should file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.