While metal-on-metal hip implants are intended to be more effective than other materials, these devices have been associated with a wide range of serious complications. In addition to risks like implant failure and hip dislocation, patients undergoing this type of procedure may experience increased level of metal particles within the body. 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 a Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.
How Zimmer Kinectiv Hip Implants Work
Zimmer is just one of many manufacturers that produce metal-on-metal implants for hip replacement surgery. This company offers a range of medical prosthetic devices, including artificial hip implants utilizing the Continuum Acetabular System. According to Zimmer, metal construction offers greater flexibility and durability over devices that are created with other materials. As a result, the metal-on-metal design has become increasingly popular when performing hip replacement surgery, particularly for younger, more active patients.
Zimmer metal-on-metal hip implants are composed of two main components. The femoral component, also known as the stem, is attached to the thigh bone and takes the place of the natural femoral head. The acetabular component is fitted into the pelvis and forms a socket in which the femoral component is placed. Some models also feature an inner cup that is integrated into the acetabular component, which is meant to reduce the chance of osteolysis (or bone loss).
Complications Related To Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Despite claims of safety and effectiveness, hip implants are linked to a number of significant risks, including hip dislocation and loosened devices.
Along with general complications associated with hip replacement surgery, metal-on-metal devices also carry their own specific risks mainly due to friction between metal components, which can cause metal particles to be shed within the body. According to the National Institutes for Health, particles issued from metal-on-metal hip implants can result in a number of effects such as:
- Neuro-ocular toxicity – This complication includes hearing/vision loss, peripheral neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves resulting in pain and numbness in the extremities and other areas of the body) and general cognitive decline.
- Cardiotoxicity – Cardiotoxicity can lead to cardiomyopathy. Subsequent damage to the heart muscle may disrupt blood delivery to the rest of the body and can cause heart failure and possibly death if timely treatment is not available.
- Thyroid toxicity – Increased thyroid toxicity is associated with hypothyroidism. Those afflicted with this condition will experience a continual feeling of tiredness, dry skin, depression and digestive issues. Because these symptoms are so general, health care professionals often struggle to determine the exact cause.
Patients may exhibit these effects months or years after the initial surgery, thereby making accurate diagnosis that much more difficult. In most cases treatment will involve removal of the prosthesis in the hopes that the symptoms related to metal toxicity subside. However, in some patients removal of the device fails to resolve the above symptoms.
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 A Tennessee 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 a Tennessee 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 a Tennessee Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Tennessee. 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 Tennessee today.
