When someone has an issue with their hip, they may be recommended to replace it with a prosthetic implant device. One type of implant is a metal-on-metal hip replacement. Unfortunately, according to a report by the United States Food and Drug Administration, these types of implants are more likely to fail than others. As a result of the report, the Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Devices Advisory Panel made it clear that there are few reasons for the continued use of metal-on-metal hip implants due to the potential for long-term damage to the patient. Now, the FDA is requesting manufacturers of these implants to conduct further studies regarding the safety of their metal-on-metal replacement implants currently on the U.S. market.
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our Kansas City personal injury lawyers offer reliable and caring counsel to defective hip implant recipients. For a 100% free, no obligation review of your claim, contact our team of hip implant attorneys: 816-888-8888.
Ongoing Recalls of Metal-on-Metal Implants
The FDA recommends that metal-on-metal hip implant patients undergo continued monitoring including regular X-rays and blood testing for metal levels to ensure that their implant is not failing.
Metal on Metal Hip implant brands:
- DePuy ASR™
- Zimmer Durom®
- Wright Medical Conserve®
- Wright Medical Profemur® Z (fractured stems)
- Biomet M2A -Magnum™
- Stryker® Rejuvenate Stryker®?
- ABG II Smith and Nephew R3
The Problems Involving Stryker’s Implants Rejuvenate & ABG II
In July of 2012, one company — Stryker® Orthopaedics — voluntary recalled two models of their modular-neck hip stems. The two models were the ABG II and Rejuvenate Modular. According to reports, there were various risks involved with these implants.
These risks include the following:
- Fretting
- Corrosion at or about the modular-neck junction
- Metallosis
- Pain
- Swelling
- Loosening of surrounding tissues
- Inflammation
- Immobility
Despite not being of the metal-on-metal variety, these hip implants still had the risk of corrosion, which would result in similar issues that are caused by the metal-on-metal replacements.
R3 Metal Liner Recall by Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew recalled their R3 metal liner in June of 2012. The recall was voluntary after discovery of a higher than normal amount of issues experienced by patients. Some of the issues reported include fractures and dislocations, as well as the potential risk of infection.
Regulators in the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, have issued an advisory in the UK that symptomatic patients’ follow-up includes MARS MRI or ultrasound, and blood metal ion testing every three months. Should either results turn up abnormal, patients should consider revision of the component.
Trust Your Case to Our Injury Firm
If you or someone you know has been implanted with a defective hip replacement system or you are scheduled to undergo a revision surgery of a defective one, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm has won over $500 million collected* for clients and draws upon the invaluable insights gleaned from our proven experience. Our medical device lawyers in Kansas City are proud to fight on behalf of our clients.
Get started on your case today by calling 816-888-8888 for a complimentary consultation!