California Hip Replacement Attorneys Answer Questions
Every year, millions of people get hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility after severe arthritis or injury. While a wide variety of designs and materials are currently used in artificial hip replacements (prosthesis), most if not all of them consist of two basic components: the ball component which replaces the femoral head and the socket component which is attached to the pelvis (both are usually made of ceramic material, metal or plastic).
In recent years, some hip replacement products, particularly those with metal components, have been recalled and embroiled in lawsuits after reports of them causing medical complications.
California Hip Replacement Recall Lawyers: What Are the Reasons for the Hip Replacement Recalls?
If a hip replacement model is defectively designed and/or manufactured, this can contribute to complications and early implant failure down the line. For instance, metal-on-metal implants can release metal particles into the body through grinding and corrosion, which can lead to a dangerous and even deadly condition called metallosis. A defective implant can also wear away at surrounding bone matter, causing itself to loosen and consequently fail.
Both the physical and financial consequences of a defective hip replacement can be devastating. On top of medical treatment, an affected patient usually needs revision surgery to repair or replace the defective implant. These surgeries can lead to additional medical complications which, in turn, can lead to additional expenses that the patient cannot simply afford.
Which Hip Replacement Models Have Been Recalled?
Major hip replacement recalls occurred for these popular implant products:
- DePuy ASR Acetabular & Resurfacing System
- Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip Recall
- Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular, Modular SMF, Modular Redapt Femoral Hip Systems
- Wright Conserve Plus and Profemur Z Hip Stem
- Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component
Ask your physician whether your specific hip replacement model has been affected by a recall.
What Complications Result from Defective Hip Replacements?
- Metallosis, which can lead to bone and tissue death
- Osteolysis, which is the deterioration of bone matter around the implant
- Implant dislocation
- Avascular necrosis (bone death)
- Infection
- Loosening of the implant
- Heterotopic ossification (soft tissue becomes calcified)
- Fracture
Hip Replacement Class Action Lawsuit: Who Can I Sue?
Victims of defective hip replacement products can bring a lawsuit against the liable manufacturer under product liability law. This law protects consumers from dangerous and unreliable products. While the law differs from state to state, victims may generally pursue compensation for medical expense, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. As of yet, tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed against major hip replacement manufacturers like Depuy and Stryker Orthopedics.
