Recalled hip replacement devices have been subject to increasing litigation over the past few years, and with almost a half million people having hip replacement surgery in 2011 alone, many patients may be concerned their devices may be among those that have been recalled by the manufacturer or otherwise involved in hip replacement lawsuits.
If your implant is one of the recalled hip replacement devices, or if you are otherwise suffering from complications after a hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Georgia. The consultation is free and you are under no obligation. If you have a claim, we can connect you with a Georgia hip replacement attorney.
Recalled Hip Replacement Information
To date, four manufacturers have recalled hip replacement devices. These devices include:
- DePuy ASR TM XL Acetabular System
- Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II
- Smith & Nephew R3 Metal Liners of the R3 Acetabular System
- Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component
Additionally, and although not subject to recalls presently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports it has received adverse reports from patients who have had devices from the following manufacturers implanted as part of their hip replacement surgery:
- Centerpulse
- Corin
- Encore Orthopedics
- Exactech
- Wright Medical Technology
Hip replacement devices were recalled by the manufacturer for several different reasons. On August 24, 2010, DePuy recalled the ASR device voluntarily when a report from the United Kingdom indicated a 13 percent revision rate within five years. On June 1, 2012, Smith & Nephew recalled the R3 Metal Liners of their R3 Acetabular System reportedly due to a higher than expected number of revisions.
Revision surgery is the term used to describe the procedure in which a failed hip replacement is replaced with another, similar device. It can be more painful and complicated than the original surgery due to loss of natural bone during the initial implant, as well as other factors. On July 22, 2008, Zimmer recalled their Durom Acetabular Component, which was known as the Durom Cup, reportedly due to inadequate surgical instructions that led to patient complications, but then rescinded its recall.
The FDA recommends that patients in Georgia and other states contact their surgeon if they are unaware of the type of hip replacement device used in their surgery. Although doctors sometimes inform patients of the type of device, a patient may forget or may no longer have documents identifying the type of device used. The surgeon may also have information on whether the hip replacement device used is subject to a recall.
Not all patients will suffer from complications from their hip replacement devices, but any patient who is suffering from pain, swelling, or difficulty walking should contact their surgeon as soon as possible to determine if the device has failed.
It has also been reported that metal-on-metal devices can cause metal fragments to be released when the components of the hip replacement devices rub together during normal movement. Many patients in Georgia and other states who received these types of implants are younger, so they tend to be more active and more likely to suffer from the shedding of metal from the device. In some cases, fragments as large as two centimeters have been found in the hip joint. The fragments can also leave the hip joint and enter the blood stream, causing additional problems.
Questions About Recalled Hip Replacements?
If your implant is one of the recalled hip replacement devices, or if you are otherwise suffering from complications after a hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Georgia. The consultation is free and you are under no obligation. If you have a claim, we can connect you with a Georgia hip replacement attorney.
