An Arkansas metal hip replacement lawsuit may be an option for people who have experienced complications after having a metal-on-metal hip replacement. Metal hip replacement surgery may be the only available option for some patients who experience hip joint pain and wish to increase their mobility and improve their overall quality of life. However, there are a number of risks involved, including the need for debilitating revision surgery. Affected patients and their families may be able to file an Arkansas metal hip replacement lawsuit and recover damages as a result of their injuries.
If you or someone you love has had a metal-on-metal hip implant and experienced complications, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. We can help answer your questions and explain your options to you. If you choose to pursue a case, we can connect you with an affiliate hip replacement lawsuit attorney in Arkansas or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Design
In a metal on metal hip implant, the replacement femoral head, which is the ball, and the acetabulum, which is the socket, are both metal. To compare, successful artificial hip implant designs use polyethylene-lined acetabular cups with metal or ceramic femoral heads. Originally, it was thought that metal on metal hip implants would increase longevity and require fewer revision surgeries in the future. However, it has been shown that metal on metal hip implants do not last longer than other hip designs, and in fact, could even have a shorter life span. Metal on metal implant dangers can include:
- Loosening and dislocating. The implant can become loose and even migrate, making a revision surgery necessary to remove the device and implant a new one. Loosening can happen because of edge loading, which is a flaw in design where the artificial hip is not properly made to bear the movement and weight of a normal person.
- Illnesses as a result of metal particles being released into the body. Even though surgeons take precautions in an attempt to control how the ball and socket rub together, it is impossible to completely avoid metal friction. With time and movement, metal particles can shed, accumulate and leak into a patient’s bloodstream and surrounding tissue. Metal toxicity can cause an array of medical complications such as osteolysis, which is loss of bone, metallosis, which is an accumulation of metal debris at the hip joint that can cause tissue necrosis and bone degradation, and neurological problems such as headaches, memory loss, metallic taste in the mouth, and cardiac problems and can lead to additional painful and costly revision surgeries.
Symptoms of Complications
Usually, the first sign of trouble is excessive hip pain. However, some recipients of a metal on metal hip implant may not suffer pain as an early symptom, and these patients need to be monitored by their orthopedist and internist. Recipients should have chromium and cobalt levels tested regularly in their blood. Pain can be a sign that the hip implant may be loosening or that metallosis is attacking the surrounding tissue.
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How an Arkansas Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to file a lawsuit with the help of an Arkansas metal hip replacement lawsuit attorney anrecover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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 or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
