Even though metal-on-metal hip implants are intended to provide a more durable replacement option to patients, these devices have been associated with a number of potential complications and risks. Some patients experience side effects such as pain and discomfort, limited mobility, and complications related to the accumulation of metal debris in their blood. 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 a Kansas 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 Kansas 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.
When Hip Replacement Surgery Is Necessary
Arthritis is a common factor in patients requiring hip replacement surgery. This is due to damage to the hip joint caused by the disease, which can have varying effects depending on the type of arthritis in question. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation that distorts joints and degrades bone, while osteoarthritis inhibits smooth movement within the joint by damaging the cartilage. While sufferers of arthritis make up the majority of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, damage to the hip joint can also be caused by physical trauma.
Hip replacement surgery mitigates these effects by replacing damaged joints with a more stable prosthesis. The device is designed using a ball-and-socket configuration that is molded after the natural form of the hip joint. After removing areas damaged by disease or injury, surgeons will affix the socket into the pelvis, while the ball/stem component is implanted into the thigh bone. Once all components are in place, the ball is then fitted into the connecting socket.
Side Effects Associated With Hip Implants
Side effects of hip implant surgery can be varied, and an implantation of an artificial hip may carry the following complications and risks:
- Infection – While infections are a risk when undergoing any type of surgery, an infection occurring in the deep tissue around a newly implanted prosthesis can result in ill-effects like pain and restricted movement.
- Dislocation – Dislocated or dislodged hip implants are also possible. This occurs when the ball of the device breaks free from the socket.
- Joint instability – Should implants weaken or become loose, joint instability can be a factor. This can inhibit mobility due to increased stiffness.
In a number of cases, future surgical intervention (known as revision surgery) will be required to reduce the complications that may result from the initial surgery.
Metal Toxicity Complications
Metal-on-metal hip implants pose an additional risk along with those commonly associated with hip replacement surgery. As the metal components of the hip implant come in continuous contact, metal particles can shed from the device and collect within the body. This may result in deteriorating joint tissue, as well as the possibility of metal particles making their way into the bloodstream.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists the possible effects of metal particles on surrounding tissues for those patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. These adverse reactions may include psychological maladies (such as depression), impaired renal function, cardiomyopathy, neurological impairment, skin rash and symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
Despite the benefits associated with using a Zimmer Kinectiv hip prosthesis during hip replacement surgery, some of these medical devices had residues left on them during the manufacturing process due to a process monitoring failure, according to the FDA. These residues have the potential of causing adverse health consequences such as pain, infections, allergic reactions and in severe situations, death. Additionally, patients who had one of these implants used during a hip replacement operation may have to undergo revision surgery to replace the defective implant. After receiving reports of complications caused by Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper implants, the FDA issued a Class I recall for these medical devices in June 2015.
Affected Patients May Be Eligible To File A Kansas Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit
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 a Kansas 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 a Kansas Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Kansas. 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 Kansas today.
