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.