When a patient suffers from hip pain due to arthritis, fracture or general wear and tear, medical professionals may suggest a replacement of the joint. Even though an artificial joint can help to reduce pain and improve movement, some individuals have experienced failure of the devices. In addition, a type of poisoning of the blood called metallosis is a serious complication associated with metal-on-metal hip implants, and has been alleged to result from this type of artificial joint. A Pennsylvania metal hip replacement lawsuit may be option for patients who have suffered complications as a result of a hip replacement procedure.
If you or someone you love has had a metal-on-metal hip implant and experienced complications, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania. We can help answer your questions and explain your options to you. If you choose to pursue a case, we can connect you with an affiliate hip replacement lawsuit attorney in Pennsylvania or another state who can help you throughout the legal process.
What Is A Hip Replacement?
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, some of the most common causes of hip pain include osteoarthritis, childhood hip disease, and avascular necrosis. Hip replacement candidates typically range from 50 to 80 years of age, but may also include young patients with significant hip pain. Surgery to replace the hip joint is generally recommended for those patients who have hip pain that limits their everyday movements, including lifting or walking. A physician may also recommend the surgery for patients with stiffness that limits normal joint mobility, continuing pain even when resting, or when other methods of pain relief do not help.
How Do Metal-On-Metal Implants Work?
A hip implant is a ball and socket joint comprised of either metal, plastic or ceramic. In a total hip replacement, the femoral head is removed completely and replaced with a metal implant, while in a resurfacing hip replacement, the femoral head is covered with a metal cap. In both cases, a metal cup is placed in the acetabulum, more commonly known as the socket.
Metal-on-metal implants were originally designed with durability in mind. The use of metal in the joints had expectations of lasting longer than other materials, however that durability carries concerns connected with early failure rates caused by design flaws.
Risks Associated With Metal Hip Replacements
There are numerous risks associated with the use of all types of hip implants; however the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acknowledges that there are risks that accompany metal-on-metal devices that are exclusive to this type of component material. When the replaced ball and socket rub together, friction can cause small metal particles to be released into the body. These small pieces can end up in a patient’s bloodstream, leading to a reaction at the site or even metal poisoning, called metallosis. When a patient’s body reacts to metal ions in the body, he or she may experience pain or inflammation, soft tissue damage or even the need for another hip replacement.
In 2010, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, released a medical device alert for metal-on-metal hip implants, calling for physicians to provide follow-up and monitoring of all patients with metal hip replacements. Previous guidelines suggested that annual monitoring only needed to be continued for five years after surgery. However, these updated guidelines state that monitoring needs to continue throughout the life of the device in order to reduce the risk of complications.
The Attorney Group for Pennsylvania can connect you with an experienced metal hip replacement lawyer who can help you throughout the legal process.
Injured Patients May be Eligible for Compensation
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 Pennsylvania hip replacement attorney to discuss their legal rights and options for compensation.
Contact Us For More Information
If you or a loved one suffered severe complications from a metal-on-metal hip replacement, contact Attorney Group for Pennsylvania for more information. 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 or file a lawsuit 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 Pennsylvania today.
