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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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?
The hip joint is complex in that it allows both forward-and-backward, rotating and side-to-side movement. This is possible because the leg bone has a ball-shaped end that fits into a socket in the pelvis. Tissues such as cartilage and fluids provide cushioning and lubrication so the bones do not deteriorate as they rub together.
There are situations that lead to excess wear and tear or destruction of the components of the hip. For example, a bone fracture may cause damage that cannot be repaired, requiring a replacement. Alternately, the fracture could heal, but later lead to traumatic arthritis that affects the cartilage. Osteoarthritis is a common disease that attacks the bone and cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis affects the fluids inside the joint.
Complications With Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
An artificial joint has the same basic design as the original. A metal socket replaces the pelvic socket lined with cartilage, and then a spacer fits into this to prevent friction. This may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. A metal stem is designed to function as the top of the leg bone, and it is capped by a ball typically consisting of ceramic or metal.
As with any surgery, there is a chance of complications from infection and blood clots, as well as the additional risks of health issues directly related to the joint itself. These could even appear several months after the surgery. According to the National Institutes of Health, the components of the new hip are subject to some of the same wear and tear as the original, and this leads to the shedding of metal or plastic particles as the parts rub together. The body’s tissues may absorb these and then become irritated, setting off a reaction that may lead to bone deterioration. If it is not addressed quickly, the damaged femur may no longer support the metal stem.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
As with many medical procedures, hip replacements have certain risks. In general, metal hip implants have inherent risks caused by the rubbing together of the ball and cup during regular movement. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this can cause the release of metal particles into the bloodstream, as well as the increased wear and tear of the joint, which could result in the need for revision surgery.
In June 2015, the FDA issued a recall of all Zimmer M/L Taper Prostheses with Kinectiv Technology Femoral Stems and Necks that were manufactured or distributed between March 31 and April 20 2015. The recall notes that the devices were found to have manufacturing residues on them, which could cause serious complications in those patients who had them implanted during surgery. According to the FDA, the residues have the potential to cause allergic reactions, infections, pain or even death, and any patients with the effected devices may need to undergo a revision surgery to remove the tainted products to prevent further medical problems.
Affected Patients May Be Eligible To File A Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Louisiana. 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 Louisiana today.
