Smith & Nephew issued a recall in June 2012 of the metal cup component of its R3 Acetabular System hip implant. According to the manufacturer, an internal analysis concluded that there were more patients than the company had anticipated who were experiencing complications caused by the device. Reports included patients who experienced early device failure and required additional surgical procedures to correct the problems caused by the device. Attorney Group for Iowa can assist recipients in determining whether they are eligible to file an Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit.
Is the R3 Acetabular System Safe?
An estimated 7,700 patients received the R3 Acetabular System between its introduction in 2007 and its recall in 2012. Some of its recipients allegedly suffered dislocations, infections, and fractures, causing Smith & Nephew to issue a recall of one portion of the device. As a result, surgeons were still able to use the R3 Acetabular System as a hip replacement device but only if they used the implant in conjunction with non-metal liners. According to patients, the R3 Acetabular System caused them to experience painful and life-threatening side effects, including:
- Dislocation
- Metal toxicity
- Deterioration of bone
- Implant loosening
- Severe pain, even when not moving
- Swelling and inflammation around or at the hip joint
- Additional hip implant surgeries
In addition to the above complications, plaintiffs have also allegedly suffered from metallosis, or metal poisoning. This condition manifests when the all-metal components of the hip implant rub together during daily activities such as walking or bending, causing shards of metal to be transferred to the patient’s bloodstream. You may be eligible to file an Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit f you or someone you love has experienced metallosis as evident by the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Headaches and dizziness
- Emotional issues
- Infections
- Numbness, burning or tingling in extremities
- Gastrointestinal problems
In 2013, the FDA announced that all patients who received metal-on-metal hip replacement devices should consider speaking with their healthcare providers to request testing for abnormally high metal levels even if no symptoms are apparent. As a result of alleged complications due to all-metal hip implants, recipients of the R3 Acetabular System may be entitled to file an Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. Although no specific amount of compensation is guaranteed, an attorney can review your case and assist you throughout the legal process.
File an Iowa Smith & Nephew Hip Lawsuit Today
If you or someone you love was fitted with the R3 Acetabular System and suffered from complications such as early device failure, you may be entitled to file an Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries. Attorney Group for Iowa can evaluate your case at no cost and help you determine if you are eligible to file an Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit. We can also put you in contact with an affiliated Iowa Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit attorney who can work to get you the compensation to which you may be entitled. Call today.
