According to Consumers Union, almost half a million Americans received hip implants in 2011 alone, and it is expected that this number will grow as life expectancies increase. Some studies suggest that there is also an increase in people under the age of 65 who are undergoing hip implants, leading to patients who are more active undergoing the procedure. With recent stories of device recalls, many people are wondering how they would know if they have a recalled hip replacement.
Metal-on-Metal
The majority of the hip implant devices currently recalled in Arkansas and other states are known as metal-on-metal hip replacement systems. In these devices, the ball of the artificial joint and the cup where the ball fits are both made of metal. These types of devices were designed for use in younger patients with more active lifestyles, as they were thought to be more durable than other types of implants. However, when the metal ball and joint rub against each other, metal fragments can be released from the implant. Some reports suggest that the fragments are as much as two inches in size. In some patients, the fragments can leave the hip joint and enter the blood stream and travel to other organs, causing damage. There are also patients who suffer from metal sensitivity who can develop illnesses from the metal-on-metal implants.
Recalled hip implants may also have a higher than normal failure rate. In some cases, the tissue around the joint may be damaged and there have been instances of bone damage where the artificial joint connects. These problems can lead to significant pain, al of bone during the first procedure.
How Do You Know?
Patients in Arkansas and other states are sometimes informed at the time of their initial surgery what type and brand of implant the surgeon plans to use. Patients who have had hip replacement surgery who are unsure of what type of implant was used can contact their orthopedic surgeon for information about their hip implant. Most surgeons will also require frequent follow-up visits for those who have metal-on-metal or other recalled hip replacements.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the following are recalled hip replacement devices:
- Smith & Nephew R3 Metal Liners of the R3 Acetabular System
- DePuy ASR TM XL Acetabular System
- Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component
- Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Systems
Other hip replacement devices have also been the subject of adverse events in Arkansas and other states, although they have not all been recalled. These include hip replacement devices manufactured by:
- Biomet
- Centerpulse
- Corin
- Encore Orthopedics
- Exactech
- Wright Medical Technology
Complications from a Hip Replacement? Call Us Today.
If you or a loved one has undergone a hip replacement using devices manufactured by any of these companies and are now suffering from complications, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas today to learn whether a personal injury claim regarding a recalled or other type of hip replacement is right for you. The consultation is free and you are under no obligation.
