Hip replacement lawsuit attorneys note the potential for an Omnilife Apex K2 hip implant lawsuit, as reports claim that patients have allegedly suffered complications after undergoing procedures involving the Apex K2 hip implants.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with an OMNI Apex K2 Modular hip implant or any metal on metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for more information. We offer free, no obligation consultations. We can answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we connect you with an affiliated hip replacement lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is an Apex K2 Hip Implant?
Manufactured by medical device maker OMNIlife Science Inc. (OMNI), the OMNI Apex K2 Modular Hip System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. According to OMNI, the Apex K2 provides 96 different combinations for the neck and head, allowing surgeons to create the best match for each patient’s body type. The Apex K2 is sometimes placed in patients for whom a primary or revision total hip arthroplasty is medically indicated. The FDA approved indications are:
- Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease, including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Correction of functional deformity
- Congenital dislocation
- Revision procedures where other treatments or devices have failed
- Femoral neck and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur
According to hopkinsmedecine.org, arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to restore the integrity and function of a joint. A joint can be restored by resurfacing the bones or an artificial joint (prosthesis) may also be used.
Is There An Apex K2 Hip Recall?
In September 2012, the Australian Orthopaedic Association’s National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) published the results of a study of the Omnilife Apex K2 hip implant that identified the device as having a higher than expected revision rate. As a result, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian equivalent of the FDA, cancelled its own approval of the Apex K2 hip implant and a nationwide recall was issued. As of November 30, 2015, no equivalent recall has been issued in the U.S.
Apex K2 Hip Implant: Possible Safety Issues
There is potential for corrosion of the neck and stem of the device. Corrosion could lead to the implant breaking and microscopic metal particles entering the bloodstream and cause metal poisoning or metallosis. This is just one risk associated with an Apex K2 hip implant.
Other possible safety issues associated with the device may include:
- Fretting
- Corrosion
- Loosening
- Adverse local tissue reaction
- Metal debris
- Health complications
- Additional surgeries
These reported complications with the Apex K2 hip implant are similar in some respects with the problems alleged in Stryker hip replacement lawsuits. Consequently, the possibility of an Apex K2 implant lawsuit exists, and injured patients are encouraged to speak with a hip replacement lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Injured Patients May be Eligible for Compensation
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 hip replacement attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
If you have been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group.
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.
