A North Carolina Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. Many people who suffer from hip problems may choose to have hip replacement surgery to help restore mobility and alleviate any pain associated with the hip. Although total hip replacements offer a number of benefits, some patients may experience serious complications including metal toxicity in the blood, implant displacement, and bone deterioration. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of a North Carolina Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for North Carolina 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.
Why Hip Replacement Surgery is Performed
People who suffer from debilitating hip pain due to arthritis, congenital hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis, and other hip conditions may choose to have total hip replacement surgery. When treatment options such as physical therapy and prescription medication do not alleviate the problems associated with the hip joint, a total hip replacement may be necessary.
Surgical procedures typically involve removing problematic parts of the hip joint and replacing them with metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. In a total hip replacement, the damaged bone and tissue are removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
How Do Zimmer Kinectiv Implants Work?
All total hip replacement devices contain two basic components, the ball and the socket. Both the ball and the socket parts are made of metal in metal-on-metal hip implants. Metal-on-metal devices are typically expected to last longer, and because of the larger size of the ball, the hip is expected to be more stable and less likely to dislocate.
The Zimmer M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis with Kinectiv Technology is designed so that surgeons are able to restore the natural hip joint in a wide range of patients while providing the patient with maximum range of motion and stability. Since leg length is a large concern in total hip replacement procedures, the Zimmer Kinectiv prosthesis aims to give surgeons the ability to optimize both leg length and offset.
Zimmer Kinectiv Complications
Metal-on-metal hip implants are often considered to be the most durable type of hip prosthesis and can withstand the active lifestyles of younger patients. However, complications associated with Zimmer Kinectiv have raised concerns about their use.
Complications associated with Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacements include:
- Metallosis: Metal ions such as cobalt and chromium from the metal implant or metal particles may enter the bloodstream. Over time, the materials can slide against one another, causing metal pieces to release and wear off of the implant into the tissue surrounding the implant. The damage caused is called metallosis.
- Loosening of the hip or implant: If metal fragments begin to release into the blood stream and the body attempts to get rid of them, bone loss may occur and cause the ball and cup of the replacement hip to separate
- Bone fracture: Many hip replacement parts may experience wear and tear, leading to bone fractures as a result of corrosive, worn components
- Dislocation: Hip dislocation can occur when the ball of the implant breaks free from the socket.
- Revision surgery: In some cases, complications can be so severe that surgery is necessary to alleviate pain or issues with mobility related to replacement complications
Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
In June 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zimmer, Inc., maker of the Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement, is initiating a voluntary recall on devices manufactured and distributed in March and April 2015. The manufacturer found a process monitoring failure that led to higher than expected amounts of manufacturing residues, potentially causing serious adverse health issues such as allergic reactions, pain, infections, and death. Patients who have the recalled devices may need revision surgery to remove the replacement and correct any complications.
How a North Carolina Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
Medical device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a product maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by 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 Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for North Carolina. 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.
