An injured hip joint can cause serious pain and debilitation, and a hip replacement may be able to restore mobility and function. However, the components that are used by medical professionals to replace damaged tissues have been known to cause a number of serious complications that often result in pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery. An Alabama Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be option for patients who have suffered pain and injury as a result of a hip replacement procedure.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with a Zimmer hip implant or any metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Alabama today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
When Is A Hip Replacement Necessary?
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or worn hip joint with a manufactured prosthesis that serves as an artificial joint. This surgery, also called a total hip arthroplasty, is meant to relieve any parts of the joint that cause severe pain, which can be the result of a fracture or arthritis. A degenerative disease like osteoarthritis can cause the breakdown of the cartilage and bones in the hip joint, while rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the joint, as well as the production of excess synovial fluid, leading to stiffness and pain.
Typically, a medical professional will attempt to treat a patient’s hip pain with other treatments before turning to hip replacement surgery. Some of the common treatments include physical therapy, pain medications, assistive walking devices and anti-inflammatory medications. If these types of treatment are not effective, and the hip pain persists or worsens, then a total hip replacement may be chosen as the best option.
What Is A Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis?
During hip replacement surgery, a surgeon attempts to restore a patient’s natural mobility and range of motion, which often involves ensuring that the new joint leaves the patient’s legs the same length. According to Zimmer, Inc., this process can be complicated, and as a result, many surgeons turn to devices like the Zimmer M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis with Kinectiv Technology to improve the outcome of the surgery.
This device is designed to allow surgeons to adjust leg length and hip offset based upon a patient’s individual anatomy. Zimmer claims that this reduces the risk of dislocation and limping following surgery. Without the use of a component such as the Zimmer M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis, a surgeon is unable to customize a patient’s hip replacement based on male and female anatomical differences. The resulting impingement of the hip joint could cause wear and tear of the different parts of the artificial joint over time, which could require subsequent surgeries in later years.
FDA Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
In June 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class 1 recall of the Zimmer M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis, due to higher than expected amounts of manufacturing residues on the devices. According to the FDA, Zimmer Inc. found a process monitoring failure that resulted in the residue being left on the devices. The prostheses, which are made of metal alloy, can become coated with the metal shavings and oil-based or aqueous cutting fluids that are used when milling and machining.
The recall cautions that the residue can cause pain, infection, allergic reaction and even death. Any patients who underwent surgery and received one of the devices that were manufactured and distributed between March 31 and April 20, 2015, may require revision surgery to change the implant out. The FDA has asked medical professionals and patients to report any problems to the agency through their MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.
How an Alabama Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to design and produce safe products, and to warn of possible risks associated with their products. Failure to fulfill that duty can result in injuries to patients, and the device maker being held liable for those injuries.
Patients who are injured by metal-on-metal hip replacements may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from injuries. Compensation can be based on factors including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from an injury
- Loss of income or ability to work due to loss of mobility
If a loved one dies after complications from a metal-on-metal hip implant, family members may be able to pursue claims for wrongful death damages, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Loss of financial support
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the loss of a loved one
Affected patients and their families are encouraged to seek the advice of an Alabama Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, or to find out more about an Alabama Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Alabama. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Alabama today.
