Patients who have undergone hip replacement surgeries in Tennessee and other states are filing hip implant lawsuits against manufacturers who they claim did not warn them about the risks of certain types of devices. The devices are metal-on-metal hip implants, where the ball and the joint are made of metal, and have been shown to have a much higher failure rate than those made of other substances. In addition, the devices reportedly can cause metal fragments and ions to enter the bloodstream due to friction between the ball and joint during normal movement. Metal fragments in the bloodstream can cause damage to other organs as well as cause illnesses in those with metal intolerance.
Although there have been lawsuits filed in Tennessee and other states for many types of metal-on-metal hip implants, the following are those that have been recalled by manufacturers:
- Biomet M2a Magnum
- Depuy ASR XL Acetabular System
- Smith & Nephew R3 Metal Liners of the R3 Acetabular System
- Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II
- Wright Medical Technology Conserve and Profemur Z Stem
- Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component
According to reports, these hip replacement devices fail at a much higher rate, and patients complain of popping, squeaking and chronic pain. One Tennessee woman was one of the hip implant lawsuits filed in the state after she was required to undergo revision surgery due to complications from her hip replacement. She claimed that her injuries were directly related to defects in her device and is seeking damages for her pain and suffering.
In February 2014, Biomet reached a $56 million global settlement with patients who were injured by their hip implants. Patients whose implants had failed or who had suffered injuries from metal fragments could receive a base payment of $200,000 and an escrow account was set up for patients who may suffer problems later who may consider hip implant lawsuits. In 2013, Stryker also settled some of their hip implant lawsuits. The four plaintiffs settled their cases with Stryker for an undisclosed amount of money.
Metal fragments in some patients have been significant. In one case, doctors reported that the fragments found in the hip joint were between one and two centimeters in size. Fragments that size could cause significant damage to other organs if they were to leave the hip cavity and enter other parts of the body. There are also concerns that metal ions in the bloodstream could travel to the brain where they could cause further damage. Few studies have been done regarding the effect metallosis, a type of blood poisoning in which high levels of chromium and cobalt are found in the blood, may have on the human body. Patients have reported fatigue, infections and headaches, while others have suffered heart problems. Studies have shown that heavy metals in the bloodstream can damage DNA and may cause cancer. In the case of one patient who developed metallosis after a metal-on-metal hip implant, doctors believe that metallosis could have contributed to the aggressive brain cancer she developed.
Considering Joining Hip Implant Lawsuits in Tennessee?
If you or a loved one has suffered from complications after hip implant surgery, or if a loved one has died after having a hip implant, contact Attorney Group for Tennessee for a free, no obligation consultation to see whether you are eligible for a product liability or wrongful death case related to hip implant lawsuits.
