With almost a half million Americans receiving hip implants in 2011 alone, there are many who wonder how they will know if they have a recalled hip replacement device. With an increased number of younger people undergoing the procedure, experts say that more active patients may be suffering from complications of the recalled hip replacement devices and many may not know that the device has been recalled.
Although most of the hip replacement devices that have been recalled over the past few years are metal-on-metal devices, there are other hip replacements made of different material that have also reported to have adverse reactions. Currently, the only devices that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports having been recalled by the manufacturer are:
- 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
However, the following manufacturers have also had devices that were reported to the agency as having adverse effects which could lead to a recall in the future for patients in Florida and other states, and could be involved in lawsuits:
- Biomet
- Centerpulse
- Corin
- Encore Orthopedics
- Exactech
- Wright Medical Technology
There are several adverse reactions that have been reported regarding the recalled hip replacements in Florida and other states. Those that are considered metal-on-metal devices where the ball and the joint are both made of metal can cause the release of metal fragments into the joint during normal movement. These fragments, which can range between one and two centimeters, can enter the blood stream and cause damage to other organs. Other patients have reported that the devices failed soon after their implanting and many have had to undergo painful, complicated revision surgery. Because bone is removed during the initial implant surgery, revision surgery can be significantly more painful than the original implant and is more difficult for the surgeon.
The surgeon who performed the initial hip replacement should provide the patient with the brand and type of device used. If the patient was not provided that information, they should contact their surgeon to find out what type of device was implanted. The surgeon may also have information on the recall status of the implant. Patients in Florida and other states who are suffering from pain, swelling, numbness or difficulty walking should contact their surgeon immediately to determine if their device is a recalled hip implant.
According to Florida Health Finder, there were 10,381 hip replacements performed in Florida in 2013 on patients who were between 18 and 64 and 21,900 performed on patients older than 65.
Do You Have a Recalled Hip Replacement in Florida?
If you or someone you love has had a hip replacement and suffered complications, or if you believe you have a recalled hip replacement device, contact Attorney Group for Florida for a free, no-obligation consultation to determine if you are eligible for a personal injury claim. If a loved one has died after having one of these devices implanted, you may be eligible for a wrongful death claim. Contact us to learn more and be connected with an affiliated attorney.
