Although hip replacements are intended to help patients recovery mobility and lead more active lives, in some cases the opposite happens. When complications with a hip replacement are severe enough, and when the complication is caused by a defect in the design or manufacturer of the device, affected patients may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, and it is expected that a Colorado Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be filed on behalf of affected patients.
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 Colorado today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer hip attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
Hip Implant Uses
Artificial hip implants are used to replace dysfunctional hip joints in an attempt to reduce pain and increase mobility in patients. Hip replacement surgery is often recommended to sufferers of arthritis, a disease which can affect the utility of the hip joint over time. Patients suffering from physical trauma can also undergo the procedure, although those afflicted by different forms of arthritis make up the majority of patients.
Artificial hip implants are designed to mimic the natural formation of the hip joint, helping stabilize the affected area while also decreasing pain and stiffness. A hip implant is usually comprised of a ball-and-socket configuration, with a stem (or socket) that attaches to the femur while the head joint is fitted into the stem. A metal cup is also inserted into the socket, which is meant to make the parts operate more smoothly. While hip implants can be made from a variety of materials, metal-on-metal designs are claimed to be the most durable option.
Complications Arising From Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
The most significant risk related to metal-on-metal hip implants involves metal particles shedding within the body due to the constant contact between implant components. These particles can then make their way into the bloodstream, which may result in patients experiencing heightened toxicity levels and blood poisoning. Cobalt in particular, which is a common component of metal-on-metal devices, can result in a range of serious side effects. These side effects can include weakening of cranial nerves, cardiomyopathy, degeneration of peripheral nerves, and hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone).
Patients have also experienced a wide range of additional side effects. Patients undergoing hip replacement may also run the risk of a dislocated implant. This occurs when the ball of the implant breaks free from its socket, a condition that sometimes requires revision surgery to correct. Loosened implants are another concern, which involves a weakening of the implant components to the point where the newly implanted joint becomes unstable. Infection of the surgical site is also a potential complication for patients undergoing this procedure. Should an infection occur in the deep tissue where the prosthesis is placed, further surgery may be required.
Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuits And Recall
Some patients who have been injured after undergoing hip replacement surgery using metal-on-metal implants, cite manufacturer negligence as a prime factor in their injuries. These patients allege that manufacturers failed to make all possible risks known to the healthcare community despite having prior knowledge of complications associated with metal-on-metal hip implants. The design of these devices has also been called into question, in particular, the harm caused by metal-on-metal components being in continuous contact with each other, resulting in metal fragments entering the bloodstream.
These risks have also been noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2013, the agency issued a warning to healthcare providers regarding what the agency termed as the “unique risks” of metal-on-metal hip implants. The alert urged orthopaedic surgeons to carefully select prospective patients to mitigate the occurrence of harmful side effects, while also calling for manufacturers to undertake additional research to ensure their products are safe for the public.
In June 2015, the FDA issued a recall of all Zimmer M/L Taper Prostheses with Kinectiv Technology Femoral Stems and Necks that were manufactured or distributed between March 31 and April 20 2015. The recall notes that the devices were found to have manufacturing residues on them, which could cause serious complications in those patients who had them implanted during surgery. According to the FDA, the residues have the potential to cause allergic reactions, infections, pain or even death, and any patients with the effected devices may need to undergo a revision surgery to remove the tainted products to prevent further medical problems.
How A Colorado 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 a Colorado 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 for more information about a Colorado Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Colorado. 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 Colorado today.
