An injured hip joint can cause serious pain and debilitation, and a hip replacement may be able to restore mobility and function. However, the components in some hip implants have been alleged to cause serious complications resulting 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 an Oklahoma Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages.
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 Oklahoma 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.
Why Hip Replacement Surgery Is Performed
Patients suffering from arthritis of the hip are commonly recommended for hip replacement surgery. This has a lot to do with the progressive nature of the disease, which will gradually increase until mobility is greatly restricted. The type of arthritis in question determines what kind of damage is sustained by the hip joint, although in all cases treatment will be necessary to lessen discomfort and promote free movement.
If surgery is recommended, doctors will replace the damaged hip joint with an implanted prosthesis. Hip implants are comprised of components that are designed to mimic the natural structure of the hip joint. They include a ball and socket, which takes the place of the femoral head and acetabular cavity, as well as a liner fitted inside the socket to ease movement. Once all components are in place, surgeons will then connect the ball and socket to stabilize the prosthetic hip joint.
Complications Arising From Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Hip replacement surgery could involve a few possible complications. These include:
- Loosened/failing devices – Over time implants will become worn due to repeated movement, which may then result in loosened or failing devices. This risk is particularly significant to younger patients, due to their heightened levels of physical activity.
- Infection at the implant site – An infection present at the implant site can be a very serious complication. While infections can often be treated using a course of antibiotics, some patients will require surgery to remove the implant as well as the damaged tissue.
- Dislocation – Hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the implanted prosthesis breaks free from the socket. Frequent dislocations will necessitate further surgical intervention.
These complications can cause increased pain in patients, along with decreased mobility and movement. More serious complications often require replacement of the initially implanted artificial joint. Known as revision surgery, this process carries its own risks and may limit future patient recovery.
Risks Unique To Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
While all hip replacement surgeries carry some degree of risk, those using metal-on-metal implants may encounter some unique complications. Due to the continual contact of the artificial hip joint, metal component parts can disperse particles into the bloodstream. These particles have been cited by medical professionals as posing a possible toxic risk when making their way throughout the body.
For instance, the Arthritis Foundation lists cardiovascular issues and damage on a genetic level as a few of the possible side effects of metal-on-metal hip implants. The group also points to studies that indicate the rate of failure for metal-on-metal devices is much higher than implants constructed from other materials.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
In June 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class I recall of Zimmer’s M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis with Kinectiv Technology Femoral Stems and Necks, based upon information that was provided by the company. Zimmer found that a process monitoring failure had allowed the products to be distributed with higher than normal levels of manufacturing residue. According to the FDA, this residue has the potential to cause serious health concerns in patients who received the implants during a hip replacement surgery, including infections, allergic reactions and even death, and any patients with the recalled devices may need to undergo revision surgery to remove the tainted implants to prevent medical problems.
How An Oklahoma Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
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 an Oklahoma 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 an Oklahoma Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma today.
