On June 1, 2012, Smith & Nephew issued a voluntary recall of the optional metal liner component for its R3 Acetabular System following reports of complications and evidence from patients who required revision procedures to remove the affected devices. London-based Smith & Nephew initially introduced the device in 2007 and launched the product globally in 2009. Court documents indicate that nearly 7,700 individuals have received the Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System and, according to the manufacturer, most of the metal liners were utilized in total hip replacement procedures.
If you or a loved one in California received an R3 Acetabular System and later experienced life-threatening injuries or complications, consider seeking legal counsel from an experienced Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer to learn more about your rights. Attorney Group for California can review your case and connect you with an affiliated Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer if you decide to pursue a claim.
Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System Overview
Following the recall of the device, the company reported that it was not pleased with data following clinical trials of the system. Trials revealed that the unit was prone to higher-than-acceptable revision rates. While Smith & Nephew claimed that it found no evidence of metallosis or increased levels of cobalt and chromium ions in patients, it reported that patients who received the system may experience dislocations, fractures and infections.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2013 for all metal-on-metal hip replacement devices, including the R3 Acetabular System, to inform consumers that any patient fitted with a metal hip implant should consider testing for abnormally high ion levels if they experience implant loosening, swelling, pain or other signs of a failing hip implant. The agency has also proposed making all metal-on-metal hip implant devices ineligible for its 510(k) clearance process, which does not require manufacturers to conduct human clinical trials prior to stamping a product with its approval.
As a result of the recall and alleged complications, plaintiffs have come forward to work with a Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer to pursue claims against the manufacturer. If you have suffered from one or more of the following dangerous side effects, consider contacting a California Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer to learn more about pursuing a claim for compensation:
- Metal toxicity
- Dislocation
- Severe pain, with or without movement
- Swelling or inflammation at or around the site
- Implant loosening
- Deterioration of bone
- Additional hip implant procedures
One of the most commonly alleged side effects, metallosis, occurs when friction from the metal components causes metal shards to be deposited into the bloodstream. A Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer in California can help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer if you or someone you love experienced one or more of the following signs of metal poisoning:
- Emotional issues
- Confusion
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Infections
- Burning, tingling or numbness in legs and arms
- Dizziness and headaches
- Cobalt poisoning which may involve tremors, hypothyroidism, skin rashes, cardiomyopathy or cognition, hearing or sight problems
A California Smith & Nephew Hip Recall Lawyer Can Help You to Pursue a Claim
Attorney Group for California provides free case evaluations to individuals who suffered from premature device failure, metallosis and other complications allegedly caused by the Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System. If you or someone you love has been injured in California, an experienced Smith & Nephew hip recall lawyer can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Contact Attorney Group for California today to receive a free case evaluation.
