A Washington Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be an option for patients who have suffered severe complications from metal hip replacements. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement device is one type of metal-on-metal hip replacement option that exists today. Despite the benefits of these devices, components in some of these devices have been alleged to cause severe pain, loss of mobility, and even the need for additional surgery for the patient. The Zimmer Kinectiv hip replacement has been the subject of a recall, and it is expected that a Washington Zimmer Kinectiv lawsuit may be filed on behalf of affected patients who have suffered pain and injury as a result of a hip replacement procedure.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington 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.
Arthritis and Hip Replacement Surgery
The University of Washington’s Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine explains that people who develop certain types of arthritis are most likely to be candidates for a total hip replacement. Osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are three of the most common causes of hip joint damage.
Inflammation of the joint causes damage to the slippery cartilage that allows the ball and socket to move smoothly while bearing the weight of the body. This leads to wear and tear that may crack the cartilage, cause it to thin or even disintegrate altogether. At this point, there is no cushion at all between the ball at the top of the leg bone and the socket in the hip, so the two bones grind together painfully rather than gliding.
The cartilage cannot be regenerated, but the damaged joint may be removed and a replacement surgically implanted. Doctors and patients have a variety of options at this point. Prosthetic hips are manufactured by a number of companies, and the products differ widely in design and materials. For example, some include a metal ball and a metal socket, some use plastic or ceramic, and some are a combination.
Complications Associated With Hip Replacements
Although hip replacement surgery is intended to provide relief from symptoms of arthritis and physical trauma, for some the procedure can lead to a range of serious complications. The Mayo Clinic lists a few of the potential ill-effects linked to hip replacement surgery:
- Disparity in leg length – Weakened muscles around the hip joint sometimes leads to a difference in leg length. While stretching the surrounding muscles may rectify the issue, some patients may require additional medical assistance.
- Implant loosening – An implant that is not tightly connected to the surrounding bone can grow incrementally looser over time. A loosened implant will lead to increased pain and discomfort, and might ultimately call for surgical intervention.
- Fracture of hip joint – Fractures during surgery can also occur. Larger fractures will take longer to heal and can require the placement of pins and other corrective devices.
- Dislodged prosthesis – Continual dislocation often necessitates additional procedures to ensure the artificial joint remains in place. Dislodgement occurs when the ball of the new hip joint breaks free of the connecting socket.
A risk of infection is also possible when undergoing hip replacement surgery. Should a serious infection take place within the area of the newly implanted joint, further surgery may be necessary. This entails removing the implant, as well as excising any areas of damage.
Washington Zimmer Kinectiv Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that one implant, the Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology, has been recalled by the company. It was discovered that the components entered the market with a manufacturing residue still on them. The substance has the potential to lead to painful infections or allergic reactions, and they may even be serious enough to cause a fatality.
Because the product is associated with this level of danger, it is designated as a Class I recall. The FDA warns physicians that patients who currently have the devices may need a revision surgery to remove it and implant a new prosthetic.
Injuries Linked to Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
Metal-on-metal hip joints also carry their own unique risks. The National Institutes of Health refer to the systemic toxicity associated with continuous friction of metal components, which can result in metal shards being dispersed throughout the body. In some cases, metal particles, such as chromium or cobalt, can enter the bloodstream when this occurs. This occurrence is linked to numerous damaging health effects, including general cognitive degradation, visual or auditory impairment and a feeling of numbness in hands and feet. Additionally, these effects do not always diminish once the prosthesis has been removed.
How a Washington Zimmer Kinectiv Lawsuit Can Help
Device makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their devices, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a device maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by defective medical devices 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 Washington. 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.
