While there are thousands of types of surgical procedures performed each year in the U.S., one of the most common is a hip replacement. A surgeon removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial one to help to increase the patient’s mobility, decrease their pain and provide them with an overall improved quality of life. There are many types of hip replacements available, and the kind that is right for each patient will depend upon his or her age, activity level and the types of hip replacements that his or her surgeon prefers.
However, certain types of hip replacements, such as metal-on-metal devices, have recently been linked to serious complications, and plaintiffs throughout the U.S. are currently seeking compensation by filing lawsuits against several manufacturers. If you live in Arkansas and you would like to learn more about your legal options, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas today.
Types of Hip Replacements
A ceramic-on-metal hip implant features two parts: a ceramic femoral head and a metal acetabular component. The first of these devices was approved in 2011 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Similarly, a ceramic-on-ceramic hip implant was first used in the U.S. in the 1980s but was only recently approved by the FDA. These all-ceramic implants are believed to be more scratch resistant, smoother and more resistant to wear than certain other types of hip replacements.
Metal and plastic hip implants feature a ball and socket made of cobalt or chromium metal, separated by a plastic polyethylene spacer. Metal-on-metal hip replacement devices are made of similar materials except these types of hip replacements do not use a spacer. According to several manufacturers, all-metal hip implants are designed to have less wear and to withstand a more active lifestyle.
Risks and Side Effects
According to physicians, each patient may not be a good match for every type of hip replacement available. Some devices are more useful and beneficial for certain age groups as well as patients who have more active lifestyles. A physician’s decision to implant one of these systems into a patient should be based on his or her knowledge of technology and the durability of the device based on testing. Both the patient and the physician should also consider the risks and side effects to any product before making a decision.
Patients in Arkansas who suffered from complications may be able to file lawsuits against the manufacturer of the device in question to seek compensation for their injuries. In fact, many metal-on-metal hip replacement devices are the subject of growing litigation across the country. Plaintiffs allege complications such as early device failure, metal poisoning, neurological damages, limited mobility, pain, discomfort, damaged tissues and joints and swelling as well as metal sensitivity, infection, difficulty walking and bone fracture.
Pending Lawsuits Throughout the Country
Court documents indicate that more than 5,700 lawsuits have been filed against DePuy Orthopaedics as of April 15, 2014. Plaintiffs are alleging that the Pinnacle device, marketed by the company, is inherently defective and can cause serious and life-threatening complications, and thousands of patients are also filing lawsuits regarding the company’s ASR hip replacement device. Additionally, plaintiffs are pursuing claims against Stryker Orthopedics for similar reasons after they received the manufacturer’s Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems. According to court records, Stryker reached a settlement in December 2013 while DePuy has agreed to pay more than $2.5 billion to resolve 8,000 ASR claims.
Do You Have a Lawsuit in Arkansas?
Contact Attorney Group for Arkansas today if you or someone you love has questions or concerns about the types of hip replacements lawsuits currently filed, or if you have been fitted with a Stryker or DePuy hip replacement device and are experiencing pain or symptoms of device failure. We provide free case evaluations, and we can help you determine if you have a case. We can also connect you with an affiliated attorney in Arkansas who can file your lawsuit and assist you throughout the legal process.
