In a complete hip replacement procedure, a surgeon removes the patient’s damaged hip joint consisting of the ball and socket and replaces the joint with an artificial implant. According to research, hip implants can help to relieve the symptoms of a failing hip such as pain, swelling and limited mobility. Statistics show that more than 330,000 procedures occur in the U.S. each year.
Those who find themselves struggling with daily activities and functions such as walking, bending or standing may consider seeking a physician’s opinion to determine whether they are good candidates for a hip replacement procedure. Bone fractures, tumors, arthritis and osteonecrosis are all health conditions that a healthcare provider may consider to be improved by a hip replacement procedure. Additionally, patients in Alabama who currently fall under one or more of the following categories may consider an artificial hip implant:
- Individuals who suffer from persistent hip pain while resting
- Individuals who have not yet had relief from NSAIDs or pain medications
- Individuals who suffer from joint stiffness
- Individuals who are unable to perform daily activities that require walking or moving
The four most common types of hip replacement devices include those made out of ceramic and metal. There are several options from which a patient and his or her healthcare provider can choose, including ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-metal and metal with a plastic spacer. The price of an artificial hip implantation can range between $11,000 and $125,000, according to the American Medical Association. However, with such a discrepancy of the price, the “true average cost is not yet known.
Depending on the patient’s condition following surgery as well as the condition that the hip implant was intended to help, a recipient can expect to remain in the hospital for three to five days. However, if a patient experiences complications, he or she may not fully recover until three to six months after the procedure was performed.
Hip Implant Failure Lawsuits Filed
While thousands of patients have reported success with these artificial devices, thousands more are currently pursuing claims against manufacturers, alleging that the implants caused them to suffer from severe and life-threatening complications. While the rate of side effects is low and fewer than two percent of recipients report injuries, blood clots in the leg veins and pelvis are among the most common problems following a procedure, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Several manufacturers such as “Stryker Orthopedics and DePuy Orthopaedics are currently facing lawsuits filed on behalf of plaintiffs who claim that their hip replacement products caused unnecessary amounts of pain and extra medical expenses. While both manufacturers have settled thousands of claims, you may consider filing a hip implant failure lawsuit in Alabama if you believe that you were adversely affected by a hip replacement device.
Are You Suffering from Hip Implant Failure in Alabama?
If you or a loved one has received a hip implant and you believe that you are suffering from symptoms of hip implant failure, you may have legal recourse. Contact an attorney in Alabama to learn more about your options. Attorney Group for Alabama can review your case, free of charge, and help you determine if you have a hip implant failure lawsuit. We can also help answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated hip implant failure attorney in Alabama who can assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled.
