A Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.
Who May Be a Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that there are helpful alternatives for those who would rather not undergo the major surgery that is hip replacement, such as taking drugs to combat joint pain and inflammation, engaging in gentle activities such as walking or stretching, doing other therapeutic exercises or even using a crutch or other device to help movement be safe and comfortable. However, if an individual has not had success with any of these techniques, or if they have hip joints that have been injured or affected by a medical condition, they may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery.
Several medical conditions can lead to the degradation of hip joints and tissues. Bone tumors are one chronic disease that can damage or destroy the hip bones over time. Osteonecrosis is another, sometimes necessitating surgery because the bones in the hip area have ceased functioning normally.
Rheumatoid arthritis, a fairly common condition which causes the body’s joints to become painful and inflamed, can sometimes lead to hip replacement, as can osteoarthritis, which may cause the hip bones to weaken and lose function, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Serious injuries, such as vehicle or bicycle accidents, that have done damage to the hips or traumatic physical events which act as a catalyst to later arthritis, may also lead to hip replacement surgery.
The Risks of Surgical Hip Implants
The Mayo Clinic notes that there are a number of risks inherent to surgical hip replacement, including noticeable physical side effects such as a lengthening or shortening of one or both legs or even a bone or joint dislocation or fracture. The artificial hip, depending on its design and the implant process among other factors, may shift and move over time and require subsequent surgical adjustments. Other potential dangers of hip implantation include infections caused by the surgery process as well as blood clots.
Additional surgeries are not listed among the typical risk factors or consequences of hip replacements, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that corrective surgical procedures may be necessary for some of those who have had the Zimmer Kinectiv prosthetic hip system installed. The Zimmer Kinectiv device is unique in its ability to precisely match a surgical patient with an implant that is right for them. However, infections, subsequent surgeries, pain and inflammation and allergic reactions have been reported as a result of a Zimmer Kinectiv manufacturing defect. This defect has been found to be related to potentially dangerous levels of a synthetic substance on the Zimmer Kinectiv itself.
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.
Minnesota Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
The FDA reports that one implant, the Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology, has been recalled by the company. It was discovered that the components entered the market with a manufacturing residue still on them. The substance has the potential to lead to painful infections or allergic reactions, and they may even be serious enough to cause a fatality.
Because the product is associated with this level of danger, it is designated as a Class I recall. The FDA warns physicians that patients who currently have the devices may need a revision surgery to remove it and implant a new prosthetic.
How a Minnesota Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
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 medical devices 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.
