Mississippi Wright Conserve Hip Replacement Attorneys
Mississippi Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of patients who have suffered after receiving hip replacements manufactured by Wright Medical Technology. The company’s Conserve hip replacements have caused injuries to numerous patients who are filing a class action lawsuit against the company. If you have received a Wright Conserve hip replacement, you may be able to recover damages as part of growing litigation. Louisiana Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys affiliated with the Louisiana Injury Attorney Group understand the inner-workings of these cases and can help eligible patients to begin the healing process, physically, emotionally, and monetarily.
The major claim against Wright Medical is that they released a line of hip implants without testing for defects. As a result, many people who received these implants have suffered long term damage resulting in loss of wages, pain and suffering, and high medical bills.
The claim asserts that Wright Medical Technology failed to warn patients of the potential risks associated with their products. According to Louisiana Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys, the metal-on-metal design of the implant—meant to be a beneficial break-away from ceramic and plastic components—make it easier for metal debris to become dislodged in the patient’s body when the cobalt components rub together during movement. This design defect also causes early failure, cracking, and even shattering, and many patients have had to replace their implants with newer models.
The lawsuit alleges that the metal-on-metal design causes excess friction in the implant. This friction, in turn, causes heat and the buildup of metal particles in the patient’s bloodstream. This dangerous build up can affect the heart, vision, nervous system, and thyroid. Metal toxicity, known as “metallosis,” can also cause severe inflammation, resulting in injury to the soft tissue and muscles. This damage can make it more difficult for doctors to replace the implant, and can lead to long term discomfort. Mississippi Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys are quick to warn patients of the seriousness of this condition.
Other patients who have been implanted with Wright Conserve hip replacements have also reported the following:
- Severe pain in the hips, legs and back
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Popping or crunching noises in the affected area
- Inflammation of the tissues
- Severe infection
- Dislocation or fractures in the hip
The claims against Wright Medical Technology are both severe and widespread. Patients from across the country have reported problems with the devices, and sought out Louisiana Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys for legal guidance. Many have even been forced to seek painful and expensive follow up treatment. In June 2012, the Food and Drug Administration created a panel of medical experts to address this problem and make necessary recommendations.
The panel found that metal-on-metal implants confer little benefit to the patient. These devices, which were marketed as a more long-lasting and durable alternative to plastic, have been shown to cause more problems than they solve. The panel recommended that patients who have developed symptoms undergo regular blood testing and x-rays. Unfortunately, there is no standard test to determine if toxic levels of metal are present in the bloodstream. As of today, the FDA has yet to make a determination regarding whether these products will be removed from the market.
Common symptoms reported by patients involved in the lawsuit include:
- Metal poisoning: Most people become aware they have metal poisoning when they notice redness or swelling in the hip area. Many people also experience fever and nausea—a common sign of infection. Severe cases of metal poisoning can even cause death. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointoment with a doctor immediately, and contact one of the Louisiana Injury Attorney Group’s Louisiana Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys.
- Pain: The most common symptom is severe pain in the area that persists long after the surgical procedure is complete. This pain will only worsen if left untreated.
- Swelling: Friction and rubbing can cause swelling in the affected area. This swelling makes standing, sitting and walking difficult.
- Bulging or discomfort: In some cases, pieces of the device will dislodge and travel to other parts of the body. When this happens, you may notice bulging in the affected area. This is a severe symptom that requires immediate treatment.
Although many patients across the nation have reported problems with the hip replacment units, Wright Medical Group has continued to market the device as safe, reliable, and effective.
The problem with the device started before it was released to the public. According to the suit, the company cut corners on pre-market testing and studies that would have determined the safety of the product. Instead, the company only conduted marginal studies to speed up the release of the Wright Conserve hip replacement. Even after multiple reports of metal toxicity, pain, and other complications, the company failed to issue a recall. Millions of patients were fitted with the device even after the company was aware of its drawbacks.
Contact Us Today
Mississippi Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys affiliated with Attorney Group for Mississippi are investigating claims from individuals who received a defective metal-on-metal hip replacement system. Mississippi Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys can treat your case with the care and attention it deserves. If you have been affected by a defective Wright Conserve hip replacement, contact Mississippi Wright Conserve hip replacement attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
