A South Carolina Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. Because of their durability, metal-on-metal hip replacements may offer a longer lasting, more stable replacement compared to implants made of plastic or ceramic. However, metal-on-metal implants such as the Zimmer Kinectiv total hip replacement implant have allegedly been linked to serious medical conditions, including metallosis. Affected patients and their families may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of a South Carolina Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for South 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 experience hip pain as a result of arthritis, bone fracture, or other condition may consider total hip replacement surgery. Diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint are removed and surgically replaced with artificial materials such as plastic, ceramic, or metal. Total hip replacement requires removal of both major parts of the hip: the ball and the socket.
How Do Zimmer Kinectiv Implants Work?
Metal-on metal hip implants such as the Zimmer prosthesis with Kinectiv technology are made of a metal alloy usually containing cobalt and chromium. Metal-on-metal hip implants are often designed to last longer, offer more stability and ease of movement, and reduce the likelihood of implant dislocation.
According to Zimmer, Inc., the Zimmer M/L Taper Kinectiv implant is designed to maximize a patient’s range of motion and stability. The implant’s design allows surgeons to perform the procedure in a wide range of both male and female patients. Because leg length discrepancy is a leading source of patient dissatisfaction, Zimmer Kinectiv implants hope to mitigate these issues by allowing the surgeon to control leg length, offset, and version.
Zimmer Kinectiv Complications
Metal-on-metal hip replacements often offer a more durable, longer lasting solution to hip pain and discomfort, however, some patients may experience serious complications associated with the hip implant. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain and fix problems associated with the hip implant. Revision surgery can be a safe procedure, however, some patients may experience stiffness or instability of the joint, pain, or the need for more surgeries.
Complications associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements such as the Zimmer Kinectiv prosthesis include:
- Allergic reactions: Patients may react to the implant in different ways. It is not possible for doctors or patients to predict who will experience a reaction, what type of reaction they might have, when a potential reaction will occur, or how severe a reaction might be.
- Metallosis: Also known as “adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR),” metallosis is a condition in which bone and/or tissue damage occurs at the sight of the implant or joint due to the release of metal particles in the implant. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this reaction may lead to pain, implant loosening, device failure, and the need for revision surgery.
Patients who have received metal-on-metal hip implants such as Zimmer Kinectiv may experience other symptoms associated with the replacements such as hip or groin pain, swelling, numbness, or changes in the ability to walk.
Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
The FDA announced in June 2015 that Zimmer, Inc. has initiated a recall on all Zimmer M/L Taper prostheses with Kinectiv Technology manufactured and distributed between March 31, 2015 and April 20, 2015. The announcement states that Zimmer discovered a process monitoring failure that led to higher than expected amounts of manufacturing residues left on the devices. As a result, these residues could cause serious health issues including allergic reactions, pain, infections, or death. If a recalled implant has been found to indeed be affected, the patient may need to have revision surgery to replace the implant.
How a South 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 South 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.
