Undergoing surgery is an important decision that patients must make with the help and guidance of their doctor. When it comes to hip replacement surgery, most physicians look at the risks and benefits in order to decide whether hip replacement surgery is the best solution. Even when surgeons perform to the best of their ability, issues may arise when the medical devices used during surgery potentially do more harm than good. Although the Zimmer Kinectiv prosthesis is designed to help patients, if the device causes injury affected patients may be eligible to pursue claims against the device maker with the assistance of an Illinois Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney.
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 Illinois today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
How Does A Hip Prosthesis Work?
During hip replacement surgery, restoring joint stability, leg length, and range of motion are all surgical challenges that can exist for the medical team. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip prosthesis, according to Zimmer Inc., uses a modular stem and specialized neck components that give the surgeon the ability to properly center the hip joint during surgery and address problems like joint stability. Additionally, since there are many different neck options available, this prosthesis can be catered to the specific anatomic differences between varying patients.
During the surgery, any tissues damaged by arthritis or other diseases are removed. The cartilage and bone that are removed are replaced with artificial components made from metal alloys, polyethylene plastics or ceramic. According to the American Associate of Hip and Knee Surgeons, a total hip replacement is designed to last between 15 and 20 years, with the annual failure rate of between 0.5 and 1 percent.
Risks Associated With The Zimmer Kinectiv Prostheses
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks involved with a hip replacement. A patient who has a total hip replacement may face risks such as blood clots, infection at the site, dislocation of the new joint, loosening of the implant or changes in leg length. In addition, because the Zimmer Kinectiv prostheses are metal-on-metal devices, the risk of metallosis, or poisoning of the blood, is also increased. Furthermore, when metal-on-metal components are used, the friction of the ball and socket rubbing together may cause metal particles to release into the area surrounding the implant or into the bloodstream. Over time, this could cause soft tissue damage, pain at the site, or failure of the device.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
In addition to the risks associated with metal-only hip implants, the Zimmer M/L Taper prosthesis carries with it other concerns, as addressed in the class 1 recall of the device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Issued in June 2015, the recall points to a problem with the company’s process monitoring which led to manufacturing residue being left on the products. The FDA states that the residue, which could be the result of milling the metal or other manufacturing processes, has the potential to lead to severe complications, including allergic reactions, infections or even death. As a result, revision surgery may be required for those patients with the affected implants.
Affected Patients May Be Eligible to File An Illinois 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 an Illinois 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 to find out more about an Illinois Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Illinois. 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 Illinois today.
