A Zimmer ML Taper hip replacement is intended to provide relief from severe and even crippling pain and to restore mobility. While hip implant procedures are not new, lawsuits filed against hip replacement manufacturers allege that designs intended to improve the lives of patients are injuring some patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that patients who received a Zimmer ML Taper with Kinectiv Technology implant may be exposed to dangerous residues that could cause significant harm, and may even be fatal.
If you have question about your Zimmer hip replacement, contact Attorney Group today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer hip attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
Types Of Prosthetic Hips
An orthopedic surgeon has a number of options to consider when recommending materials to be used for the hip prosthesis implant bearings. These include metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-plastic and ceramic-on-plastic. The choice typically results from the doctor’s own experience with the success of previous operations and devices, but every patient’s situation is different.
Plastic tends to wear much faster than metal, and the debris may be attacked by the body. This in turn begins to destroy bone tissue. Metal does not wear as quickly, but the particles may be more harmful to the body than the plastic, and they may be more widespread throughout the system. As a result of the potential problems with metal debris, the FDA has indicated that these devices may require more studies to determine their safety. Some manufacturers have even recalled their implants from the market.
Zimmer ML Taper Implant Warnings
Zimmer, a manufacturer of hip replacement parts, has recalled its Zimmer ML taper hip prosthetics, which are made from a patented metal alloy exclusive to the company. The reason for the June 2015 recall is the possibility of residues on the implants that are a result of the manufacturing process. Contaminants are common after the machining and milling that are part of the production of any type of metal implants. The residues may include fluid deposits, metal shavings or microbiological debris, and their removal should be carefully monitored to ensure safety to the patient, the device maker cautions.
Although the FDA does not identify the residue found on the Zimmer product, the agency warns that it could be highly dangerous, warranting a Class I recall. This indicates that it is likely some patients could experience serious medical issues such as infection or allergic reactions. There is even a risk of death from the use of this implant, although no adverse reactions have been reported so far, the agency states. Still, the FDA notes that removal surgery may be necessary for those who have the contaminated implants.
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.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
