Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants Prone To Failure

Hip replacement lawsuits continue to pile up.  Studies have shown that metal-on-metal hip implant recipients have a higher chance of experiencing premature hip failure compared to those who received hip-resurfacing devices or other hip implants.  Metal-on-metal hip implants reportedly involve several problems because of their components.  It has been shown to produce metallic shedding when the devices grind or rub together during daily activities, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This metallic shedding may cause metal ions to enter the bloodstream, inflicting damage to bones, tissues, and tendons.

In one of the reported hip implant cases, a 69-year-old resident of Port Orange, Janne Gregoire, reportedly encountered a problem with her metal-on-metal hip implant.  She recalled that, while she was browsing in one of her favorite stores, her hip started to produce a screeching noise that could be heard throughout the room.  Gregoire is one of the thousands of patients across the country who is taking legal action against the manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants.  Gregoire alleged that the implants were defective, and that the makers knew about the risks but did not disclose them to consumers.

The screechy noise caused Gregoire to submit herself for an X-ray and a blood test which showed that she has high concentration levels of cobalt and chromium in her blood. She had to have her hip implants replaced – another surgery that may bring higher risk of complications than the initial hip surgery.  The manufacturer of Gregoire’s hip implants was the Wright Medical Technology, Inc.  Other manufacturers, such as Smith & Nephew and DePuy, are also facing suits.

While many other hip implant options are typically functional for up to 10 to 15 years, the metal-on-metal hip implants may need revisions within just five years.  This leaves numerous patients who have received these implants to encounter more revision surgeries and other serious complications or side effects, including groin and hip, limited motion, grinding sensation, and joint inflammation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as the manufacturers of different hip implants, has issued recalls because of the concerns arising out of the metal-on-metal hip implants, including the ASR XL Acetabular System and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System.  Moreover, several lawsuits involving hip implants have already been filed due to alleged product defect.  People nationwide are reportedly dealing with the health risks of these products. That is why various personal injury law firms that have extensive history and excellent reputation in obtaining settlements for cases, including personal injury and product defect, have put up websites to expedite the process of several claims. Rottenstein Law Group’s www.rotlaw.com is one of the many.

F.D.A.'s New Rules for Metal-On-Metal Hip Implant Makers

Studies have shown that people who have had metal-on-metal hip devices implanted are at risk for complications and may experience harm compared to conventional hip replacement devices made of plastic or ceramic.  In fact, according to legal experts, almost all hip replacement lawsuits have stemmed from using metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. It is expected that a lot of people will continue to file lawsuits for the side effects and complications they have experienced in using such products.

Reasons Why Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement Devices Fail


Not all hip replacement devices fail. Actually, some of them work fairly well, designed for years of use without any adverse effect experienced by the patient.  However, some medical experts also note that there are times when some components of the device can be subjected to wear and tear, producing metal shedding that travels up into the system.  These metal components are usually being excreted from the body through urine.  The problem only occurs when these components aggregate in the hip joints.  This may cause an adverse reaction in the tissues surrounding the implant, as well as premature hip implant failure.  In worse cases, this may bring about significant damage to tissues and even lead to complications in the nerves, bones, muscles, and tendons leaving the patients even more disabled.

F.D.A. Becoming Strict with the Regulation of Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants


According to online news reports, due to many cases of premature hip implant failures in the U.S., the FDA is setting regulations that could inhibit manufacturers from merchandising defective implants.  Makers of metal-on-metal hip implants have to show that their devices are effective and safe before they could acquire consent or authorization to continue selling their existing products or obtain validation for their new metal-on-metal hip prosthetic designs. This means that the manufacturers have to present clinical data for safety and efficacy.

In the past, manufacturers only have to meet one requirement in order for them to gain approval to legally market a certain product.  This primarily involves demonstrating to the federal agency that the new device possesses a similar design to those already on the market.  The process, on the other hand, does not require manufacturers to conduct regulated testing prior to releasing the product to the public. The new rules being set by the FDA may not only help the consumers but also the manufacturers. This may save people from experiencing dangerous side effects and at the same time lessen the lawsuits against the manufacturers of hip replacement devices. More updated news and articles regarding hip implant lawsuits can be found on personal injury law firm sites like the Rottenstein Law Group’s rotlaw.com.