Minnesota Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Doctor and Hip Patient - Minnesota Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit
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A Minnesota metal hip replacement lawsuit is an option for patients injured by hip replacement complications. Some patients who have had metal-on-metal hip replacement procedures have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of these medical devices. The plaintiffs allege that the friction of the components led to wear that shed debris into their systems, causing severe reactions including a blood poisoning called “metallosis.” Some patients have required a second surgery to have the metal joint removed and a new one implanted. A Minnesota metal hip replacement lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of a metal on metal hip replacement procedure.

For more information, contact Attorney Group for Minnesota. 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 hip replacement lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.

The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.Get Help Now.

Hip Joint Anatomy and Health

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the hips are ball-and-socket joints that form the connection between the legs and the pelvis. They include cartilage and lubrication that allows the bones to glide rather than rubbing against each other. People who are over 50, who have had a hip injury or who have other risk factors may develop arthritis that destroys the cartilage so that the bones grind together and wear away. Hip replacement surgery is often recommended for people who have lost mobility and are experiencing extreme pain that does not respond to other methods of treatment.

BoneSmart.org points out that doctors have been replacing damaged hip joints for decades, although the designs have changed. The materials used to create them varies, although they are typically plastic, ceramic, metal or a combination. Just as the original bones suffer from disintegration, the movement of the artificial joint causes tiny particles of synthetic materials to be shed.

Risks Associated With Metal Hip Replacements 

A safety communication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that some people are susceptible to reactions from the metal debris. It could cause a local effect, with swelling, inflammation, pain or numbness that make it difficult for a person to walk. A reaction could also cause the joint to begin making squeaking, grinding or popping noises, or fail altogether. In some cases, it may lead to bone disintegration and loosening of the device.

The FDA warns that the problem is not necessarily isolated to the joint, as the metal particles are able to enter the bloodstream and cause possible blood poisoning. They may affect a person adversely in several other ways also. This complication may cause kidney, heart or thyroid problems, or the metal ions could even cause mental health issues or changes in a person’s hearing or eyesight.

Bonesmart.org warns that a revision surgery, replacing the faulty device with a new one, does not have the same rate of success that the first surgery does. The risk of complications is higher if the leg bone has sustained significant damage from the reaction. This could also reduce the amount of bone available to support the new implant.

While there have been some recalls of metal-on-metal hip prostheses, the FDA states that the reaction does not affect everyone. Doctors are advised by the agency to evaluate cases carefully before recommending the replacement joint, and patients who are symptomatic should be evaluated frequently with blood testing and/or imaging technology.

Revision Surgery Risks

The FDA does not necessarily recommend that patients who have a metal-on-metal implant should have it replaced. The agency does advise them to report to their doctors regularly to monitor the status of their implants. Further, the FDA urges patients experiencing any of the adverse reactions to their doctors immediately.

According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, the surgery to remove a faulty hip joint and replace it involves potential problems that the first operation did not include. The operation itself could cause bone or muscle loss in addition to any damage already caused by the metal particles. Patients are also more likely to experience complications after a revision.

How a Minnesota Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit Can Help

Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, 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 defective metal hip replacements 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 Minnesota. 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.