Although statistics show that hip replacement procedures are some of the most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S., it is important to understand that not all types of hip replacements are good fits for every individual. The most effective types of hip replacements will often depend upon the materials used as well as the patient’s age and activity level. Additionally, a physician must take into consideration the risks and complications of these devices prior to making a decision for the recipient.
While thousands of patients throughout the U.S. have enjoyed greater mobility, reduced pain and an overall improved quality of life, thousands more are currently living with allegedly defective implants, ones that have caused pain and additional complications than what they were intended to treat. If you or someone you love is currently suffering after you received a hip replacement device in Louisiana, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana for more information about your options.
Types of Hip Replacements Overview
There are four common types of hip replacements, although there are others available that patients may choose to help to relieve the symptoms associated with damaged hip joints. Metal-on-metal hip implants are made of chromium or cobalt metals, and these devices feature all-metal components that are allegedly designed to withstand the active lifestyles that many younger patients have. Similarly, metal and plastic implants are made of the same metals but also include a plastic polyethylene spacer that is fitted in between the metal components.
Although the first all-ceramic types of hip replacements were not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration until recently, they were first used in the U.S. in the early 1980s. The ceramic on these types of hip replacements is designed to be more resistant to wear and more scratch resistant with a smoother surface than other types of implants. Additionally, ceramic-on-metal devices were approved in 2011 and are comprised of a metal acetabular cup and a ceramic femoral head.
Commonly Alleged Complications
Several manufacturers such as Stryker Orthopedics, DePuy Othopaedics, Smith & Nephew, Biomet, Zimmer and Wright have been named as defendants in pending lawsuits across the U.S. According to plaintiffs, these manufacturers have manufactured and marketed certain types of hip replacements that can cause severe complications, including:
- Early device failure
- Bone fracture
- Difficulty walking
- Metal sensitivity
- Infection
- Limited mobility
- Neurological damage
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Tissue damage
- Swelling
According to court documents, DePuy is facing more than 5,700 lawsuits pertaining to its Pinnacle as of a court update on April 15, 2014. It also recently settled more than 8,000 ASR hip replacement claims for more than $2.5 billion. Similarly, Stryker settled a number of cases in December 2013 after patients filed lawsuits claiming that the company’s Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems caused them to sustain complications greater than the pain that they were already experiencing.
If you would like to learn more about pursuing a claim or if you have concerns about the types of hip replacements and the complications you may be experiencing, an attorney in Louisiana may be able to help. Consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about your options and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Contact Attorney Group for Louisiana Today
If you or a loved one have received a hip implant manufactured by Stryker or DePuy or if you have concerns about the type of hip replacements and the lawsuits involved, Attorney Group for Louisiana can help. We can provide you with a free consultation and can help answer the questions you may have. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can put you in touch with an affiliated attorney in Louisiana who can help you seek damages to which you may be entitled. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so it is important to seek legal representation as soon as you feel as though you have a case.
