An injured hip joint can cause serious pain and debilitation, and a hip replacement may be able to restore mobility and function. However, the components in some hip implants have been alleged to cause serious complications resulting in pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, if that device causes similar complications, affected patients may be able to file a Kentucky Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages.
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 Kentucky 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 Hip Replacement Surgery Works?
Hip replacement surgery is usually recommended to sufferers of arthritis (although patients suffering from injuries caused by physical trauma can also be candidates). A total hip replacement involves removal of damaged cartilage, which is then replaced by a prosthesis that mimics the form of the natural hip joint.
The hip prosthesis is composed of two components. The first component, a ball-shaped object is affixed to a stem and the connecting socket. The round ball is meant to replace the femoral head and is affixed to the upper femur. The second component, the socket, which takes the place of the acetabular cavity, is fitted into the pelvis. Once all components are secure, surgeons then place the ball into the socket to stabilize the new hip joint.
Complications With Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Most of the significant complications associated with an artificial hip replacement will require revision surgery to remedy the issue. In many cases, revision surgery is considered much less predictable than the original procedure, with a number of patients experiencing diminished movement and increased discomfort as a result. The Hospital for Special Surgery lists the following complications as the three leading causes of revision surgery for patients implanted with an artificial hip:
- Continuous dislocation of implant – Dislocation or dislodging of an implant occurs when the ball portion of the device breaks free from its socket. This can greatly inhibit mobility, particularly if dislocation occurs on a frequent basis.
- Infection – Infection at the surgical site is another concern associated with hip replacement surgery. Severe cases typically warrant surgical intervention, which often entails replacing the original prosthesis.
- Mechanical failure – Wear and tear is quite common with artificial hip replacements, especially those implanted in younger patients. Over time, this wear and tear can impact the stability of the newly placed hip joint, which can become loosened or even break.
In addition to those side effects associated with all hip replacement surgeries, the use of metal-on-metal implants carries its own unique risks. Continual friction of the metal components will result in the shedding of metal particles within the body. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this debris can build up around the implant, leading to bone deterioration and loosened implant components. This debris may also enter the bloodstream, where it can have a range of possible effects, such as blood poisoning, pain and swelling around the implant site, and even neurological impairment in some cases.
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 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (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 problems allegedly caused by Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper implants, the FDA issued a Class I recall for these medical devices in June 2015.
How A Kentucky 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 a Kentucky 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 Kentucky Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky. 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 Kentucky today.
