Defective Metal-on-Metal Joint Replacements

Artificial hips and knees can allow Florida retirees to enjoy an active lifestyle. Unfortunately, too many patients have suffered unnecessary health complications after receiving defective metal-on-metal hip replacements. Two manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants in particular – DePuy Orthopaedics and Stryker Orthopaedics – have recalled their artificial hip systems after numerous patient complaints. When a medical implant is recalled, it means that the patient faces additional surgery to remove the faulty medical device in addition to correcting any other problems caused by the implant.

Patients who have received defective metal-on-metal hip implants can hold the manufacturer legally responsible for the injury and medical complications they have suffered. If you or a family member has suffered health problems after undergoing a metal-on-metal joint replacement, contact the Florida metal-on-metal hip implant lawyers of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, at 1-800-299-8878 or fill out our online contact form. We serve victims of defective hip implants in South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach.

Recall Notices for Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants

Metal-on-metal hip implant devices, in which both the ball and socket components are made of metal, have been used in total hip replacement surgeries and hip resurfacing procedures. Metal-on-metal joints were expected to be more durable than other hip implants made of plastic or polyethylene, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says. Because the ball in a metal-on-metal joint is larger, these artificial hip joints were expected to be more stable and less likely to dislocate.

Unfortunately, hundreds of patients have filed complaints about problems with metal-on-metal hip replacements with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the years. Patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements have suffered pain, swelling around the hips, difficulty walking and a sensation that their hip is dislocated. Tens of thousands of patients have been implanted with artificial hip products that are now acknowledged to be faulty medical devices.

Two manufacturers whose metal-on-metal hip implant devices have been recalled are:

• DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. In 2010, DePuy announced a recall of all sizes of the ASR XL Acetabular System, which is used for total hip replacements, and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, which is used for partial hip replacements. Approximately 93,000 ASR hip replacement devices had been implanted in patients before DePuy Orthopaedics issued the recall.

• Stryker Orthopaedics. In July 2012, Stryker recalled its Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck hip stem implant devices.

As the AAOS explains, metal surfaces give off small particles of debris when they constantly rub against one another, such as in an artificial ball-and-socket joint. Metal surfaces can also corrode, casting off metal ions. Metal debris and ions can collect around the implant and enter the bloodstream. This can cause pain or swelling around the hip, osteolysis (dissolution or degeneration of bone tissue) and, very rarely, symptoms in other parts of the body, the AAOS says.

Patients with metal-on-metal hip implants should contact their doctors or orthopedists to determine the brand and model of their implanted medical device. Request a copy of the operative report from your original implant procedure. It will document your implant, including the device’s lot and batch numbers.

It is also important that implant patients refrain from signing any agreement without the advice of an experienced metal-on-metal hip implant attorney.

When a medical device failure results in injury, including additional surgery, there may be grounds to file a product liability lawsuit to recover compensation for medical costs, as well as pain, suffering and other losses. Certain restrictions on faulty medical device lawsuits and their distinction from medical malpractice cases in Florida make it imperative to contact an experienced defective medical device / metal-on-metal implant lawyer, such as those at Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, as soon as possible.

Contact Our Florida Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Lawyers Today

Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has investigated defective medical products, including artificial hip implants, in South Florida and the Treasure Coast since 1975 and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.

If you’ve been hurt, our Florida metal-on-metal hip implant lawyers will be on your side. We are knowledgeable in every aspect of Florida product liability and personal injury law, and we work hard for our clients. We’re willing to fight for justice on your behalf.

Call us today toll free at 1-800-299-8878 or use our online form. We can provide you with a free and confidential case evaluation.