Today, patients of nearly every age have the option to undergo total hip replacement surgery to alleviate pain, immobility, and serious damage to the hip joint. However, the components in some hip implants have been known to cause a number of serious complications that often result in pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, and if the device causes similar complications, affected patients may be able to file a Nevada Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with a Zimmer hip implant or any metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Nevada today. We provide free, confidential, no-obligation consultations, and if you have case we can connect you with an affiliated Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process. The time to pursue a claim is limited, so contact us today.
When Is A Hip Replacement Used?
According to the Orthopedic and Surgical Institute at the Northern Nevada Medical Center, a total hip replacement surgery involves removing damaged or diseased tissues, including bone and cartilage, from the joint and replacing it with synthetic materials. There are several conditions which often warrant a hip replacement, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Necrosis
- Hip fracture
A hip replacement is often the last option for patients, as treatments including pain medication, synovectomy and physical therapy are typically attempted first. When pain is progressively worse and impacts day-to-day functions, such as walking, sitting or standing, replacing the hip joint may be the most effective form of treatment.
There are numerous types of hip implant devices available for use on the market today, including metal-on-plastic, metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-plastic and ceramic-on-ceramic. There is no one type of material that the general orthopedic community agrees is the best. Every surgeon has preferences over one or the other, based on personal experience and observed outcomes.
Metal-on-metal implants are some of the most commonly used devices, as they often have the largest femoral heads. These bigger ball heads can help increase a patient’s range of motion and may decrease the risk of dislocation. However, recalls in recent years have raised concerns over some of the side effects of all-metal hip replacements, including the release of metal ions into a patient’s bloodstream causing blood poisoning.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
Zimmer, Inc., is one of the most recent medical device manufacturers to undergo scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), due to a Class I recall announced by the agency in June of 2015. According to the recall, Zimmer alerted the FDA of an issue with a process monitoring failure which led to manufacturing residue being left on their Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology Femoral Stems and Necks, causing levels of cytotoxicity that were higher than allowed for distribution.
Over 750 implants manufactured and distributed between March 31 and April 20, 2015 have been voluntarily recalled by Zimmer. Medical professionals who placed the affected devices have been recommended to notify their patients in case a revision surgery is required to remove the Zimmer Kinectiv prosthesis and replace it with a new device.
In addition to the concerns raised by the FDA recall, another risk associated with metal-on-metal devices include increased wear and tear caused by friction between the ball and socket during regular movement. This friction can cause the joint to corrode more quickly, which could lead to device failure and injury.
Affected Patients May Be Eligible To File A Nevada Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit
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 Nevada 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 Nevada Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Nevada. 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 Nevada today.
