An Indiana Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. Patients suffering from disorders of the hip joint often undergo replacement using metal-on-metal devices. While these replacement hips are marketed as a safer alternative than devices constructed from other materials, they are also associated with a number of risks. This can include failures of the hip implant as well as an increased risk of metal toxicity within the bloodstream. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation with the help of an Indiana Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Why is Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?
Johns Hopkins Medicine states hip replacement surgery is typically performed when other treatments have failed to relieve symptoms. Many patients afflicted with hip disorders use canes for walking, and may also be prescribed medications to lessen the amount of discomfort experienced. Medications intended to reduce the amount of swelling within the joints are another common treatment method.
Replacement surgery can help mitigate complications stemming from osteoarthritis. Gradual degradation of the hip joint is common with this disorder, which can lead to significant pain and subsequent lack of mobility. Hip replacement surgery is also used to treat other types of arthritic disorders, as well as physical injury sustained to the hip joint.
Hip Replacement Surgery
According to Cedars Sinai, there are a few different options available to patients undergoing hip replacement. To facilitate bone growth, younger patients are usually recommended non-cemented artificial hips with special design features. Conversely, cemented implants are used to create stability since bone fusion with the device is less likely to occur.
Before placement of the implant, any damaged bone and tissues must first be cleared away. Next, surgeons will line up the artificial hip (which is designed to mimic the hip joint’s natural ball-and-socket configuration) within the appropriate area. In order to ensure the hip implant remains stable, doctors sometimes affix the implant to the pelvic bone using surgical screws.
Zimmer Kinectiv Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic lists a few of the potential side effects linked to the implantation of artificial hips:
- Dislodged joints: Should the ball of an implant become repeatedly dislodged from the socket further surgery is often required. In other cases, the patient may be outfitted with a stabilizing brace.
- Infections: A severe infection may entail removal of the implant and replacement with a new device. Doctors can also prescribe antibiotics to treat infections involving the surgical site.
- Implant loosening: Pain can occur if a device becomes loose after implantation. To this end surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the new joint.
In order to reduce a patient’s risk of blood clot formation, blood-thinning medications are sometimes prescribed after surgery. In the event that a clot makes it way to the heart or lungs serious complications can occur.
Zimmer Kinectiv Risks
As reported by CBS News, hip replacement surgery utilizing metal-on-metal implants carry their own unique risks. One manufacturer circulated an internal memo, which stated the potential for an increase in certain types of cancers, as well as genetic disorders resulting from these devices unleashing metal particles into the bloodstream due to repeated friction. Additionally, a recent study also investigated the possibility of metal ions having a negative impact on patient health. Researchers fear that unchecked levels of metal particles making their way into the bloodstream could expose patients to a number of serious risks.
FDA Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also voiced concerns related to the safety of metal-on-metal hip implants. The agency cites a number of possible complications, including metal particles damaging the areas surrounding the implanted device. Because it can be difficult to determine the occurrence and severity of an adverse reaction related to metal-on-metal hip implants, the FDA urges doctors to monitor patient health for symptoms like changes in vision or hearing, impaired kidney function and heart disease.
How an Indiana Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Indiana. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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 or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
