A Michigan Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement device is one type of metal-on-metal hip replacement option that exists today. Despite the benefits of these devices, components in some of these devices have been alleged to cause severe pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery for the patient. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, and it is expected that a Michigan Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be filed on behalf of affected patients who have suffered pain and injury as a result of a hip replacement procedure.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Michigan today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery
For patients suffering from certain types of medical conditions, hip replacement surgery may be recommended to achieve long-term relief. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these procedures are commonly performed on patients afflicted with arthritis to address the pain and discomfort associated with the illness. Hip replacement surgery may also be recommended to those suffering from physical trauma of the hip joint, which is usually the case for younger patients undergoing the procedure.
While sedated, doctors will make an incision over the hip joint in order to access the damaged tissue underneath. Once tissue has been removed, the doctor will then implant the artificial hip prosthesis, which simulates the configuration of the natural hip joint. The stem of the hip replacement attaches to the femur, which will then connect to the head joint. Next, a cup-like device will be implanted into the hip socket into which the head joint will be placed. Surgical cement may be used in some cases to ensure the newly placed hip joint remains affixed to the bone.
Complications Associated With Hip Replacements
Although hip replacement surgery is intended to provide relief from symptoms of arthritis and physical trauma, for some the procedure can lead to a range of serious complications. The Mayo Clinic lists a few of the potential ill-effects linked to hip replacement surgery:
- Disparity in leg length – Weakened muscles around the hip joint sometimes leads to a difference in leg length. While stretching the surrounding muscles may rectify the issue, some patients may require additional medical assistance.
- Implant loosening – An implant that is not tightly connected to the surrounding bone can grow incrementally looser over time. A loosened implant will lead to increased pain and discomfort, and might ultimately call for surgical intervention.
- Fracture of hip joint – Fractures during surgery can also occur. Larger fractures will take longer to heal and can require the placement of pins and other corrective devices.
- Dislodged prosthesis – Continual dislocation often necessitates additional procedures to ensure the artificial joint remains in place. Dislodgement occurs when the ball of the new hip joint breaks free of the connecting socket.
A risk of infection is also possible when undergoing hip replacement surgery. Should a serious infection take place within the area of the newly implanted joint, further surgery may be necessary. This entails removing the implant, as well as excising any areas of damage.
Michigan Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
Some patients claim manufacturer negligence has resulted in complications and injuries from metal-on-metal hip implants. These claims were also highlighted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which initiated a recall of a device manufactured by Zimmer.
In 2015 the FDA cited Zimmer’s M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology for the presence of dangerous residues left on the devices that were subsequently used on patients. This resulted in a Class 1 recall, which is the most serious type of recall announced by the agency.
Injuries Linked to Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Metal-on-metal hip joints also carry their own unique risks. The National Institutes of Health refer to the systemic toxicity associated with continuous friction of metal components, which can result in metal shards being dispersed throughout the body. In some cases, metal particles, such as chromium or cobalt, can enter the bloodstream when this occurs. This occurrence is linked to numerous damaging health effects, including general cognitive degradation, visual or auditory impairment and a feeling of numbness in hands and feet. Additionally, these effects do not always diminish once the prosthesis has been removed.
How A Michigan Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
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 Michigan 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 Michigan Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Michigan. 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 Michigan today.
