A Massachusetts Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. In many cases, patients who have had certain metal hip replacements are being warned of possible adverse reactions to manufacturing residues that were not properly removed. Affected patients who have suffered pain and injury as a result of a hip replacement procedure may be able to file a claim with the help of a Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Composition of the Hip Joint
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the top of the large leg bone known as the femur ends in a ball that fits into a socket in the pelvis. This joint allows the leg to pivot in all directions rather than restricting movement to forward and backward or side to side. Without lubrication and lining to prevent direct contact, the bones that make up the joint would grind together and wear each other down over time.
However, some conditions, such as osteoarthritis, attack the synovial fluid, cartilage and ligaments that perform these functions. As a result, the bones disintegrate, the hip joint becomes painful and many people lose their mobility. In cases where doctors are unable to provide relief through other treatments, they may recommend removing the damaged bone and implanting a prosthetic hip joint.
Artificial Hip Joint Structure and Materials
A prosthetic hip is intended to mimic the function of the original joint as closely as possible, and BoneSmart.org points out that manufacturers of these devices have tried a variety of designs and materials to maximize stability and minimize adverse reactions. Plastic, ceramic and metal components have all been used, and some joints are made of more than one of the materials.
There is no way to avoid some wear and tear on the joint over time, but metal prosthetics seem to shed fewer particles, and many orthopedic surgeons prefer them. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one company’s metal-on-metal hip replacement has been recalled due to contamination and should not be implanted. Patients who have already received this implant are urged to schedule regular exams with their physician to monitor for possible reactions.
Manufacturing Processes and Contamination
According to Qmed.com, Zimmer’s artificial joints may be covered with debris from the milling process, and the machining of the components requires cutting fluids that may leave buildup on them. These should be removed, and the parts inspected, but the manufacturer discovered that its M/L taper prosthetic with Kinectiv technology was not adequately monitored for safety. The substances on the implants are dangerous, according to the recall, and patients could have severe health reactions to them. There is even a risk of death.
Hip Replacement Revision
Doctors may recommend regular examinations rather than replacement due to the risks of removing the prosthetic hip. The Hospital for Special Surgery notes that when an artificial hip joint must be removed, the procedure is known as a revision surgery.
Revision surgeries generally take longer than the original surgery because of the complexities of detaching the faulty prosthetic device and preparing the remaining bone and muscle for the new implant. The removal of some of the bone surrounding the stem of the problematic implant is typically inevitable. These factors and others raise the risk of complications, lower the chances of success and lengthen recovery time.
Massachusetts Zimmer Kinectiv Hip Recall Lawsuits
Reactions to the contaminated hip joints may not occur immediately, and although there are not currently any cases reported, many attorneys expect patients to begin filing claims against the company. If there are a significant number of lawsuits against the manufacturer in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the United States, a class action lawsuit may be filed, or the cases may be consolidated and tried in a single federal district court.
How a Massachusetts Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by the fault of others may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to File a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Massachusetts. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to 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 or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
