Many people have total hip replacement surgery every year, and while the vast majority of them return to a normal routine without any issues, there are times when complications arise. Some complications are as a result of the surgery itself, while others are related to the artificial joint used to replace the damaged hip. Complications may include 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 a Texas 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 Texas 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
Some people are unable to function because of severe hip pain. Texas Health Resources’ Orthopedic Services notes that when this is caused by hip damage such as osteoarthritis, a bone fracture or rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor may try other treatments first. However, if these prove unsuccessful, x-rays and imaging may reveal that the damage warrants a complete replacement.
The replacement joint consists of a ball and socket, just like the original. The top of the femur is replaced by a stem with a ball, which is attached to the remaining portion of that leg bone. The cup portion of the new hip takes the place of the socket in the pelvis. The materials that make up the prosthesis may be plastic, ceramic or metal, and they may also be a combination of these.
Risks Associated With Hip Replacement Procedures
Doctors have been performing the surgery to implant hip prostheses for decades, and the success of the operations and the joints themselves have continually improved. However, as with any invasive procedure, infection and blood clots are potential health problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists many problems that could develop at any time after the surgery, and these include joint issues such as grinding or popping, pain and swelling. These could be a result of infection, nerve damage, loss of bone tissue and prosthesis malfunction or breakage.
The agency also cautions that a reaction to the device may cause health problems that do not seem to be related. For example, a person could experience thyroid dysfunctions such as fatigue or neck discomfort. Psychological or neurological health could suffer, as well. Kidney and heart damage are also potential adverse reactions.
Metal-on-metal hip replacements pose a unique risk to patients. This is because the implants contain chromium and cobalt, and through natural wear and tear, these metal ions may break away from the device and enter into the patient’s bloodstream. The FDA points out that different people will react to these metal particles in different ways and that it is not possible to predict who will experience a reaction, what type of reaction they might have, when the reaction will occur, or how severe the reaction will be.
Zimmer Kinectiv M/L Taper Recall
In June 2015, the FDA announced a Class I recall of Zimmer’s M/L Taper Hip Prosthesis with Kinectiv Technology Femoral Stems and Necks was issued, 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.
How A Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit, contact Attorney Group for Texas. 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 Texas today.
