Hip recall cases, like those conducted by the FDA, have been brought up recently as a result of faulty hip implants or hip repair operations. Artificial hip joints can now be installed thanks to newer technologies, which occasionally use a variety of metals and other materials. These can entail a complete hip joint replacement or an artificial socket repair.
Some hip replacement procedures or hip implants make use of technology that has not been the subject of extensive study.
As a result, some patients who underwent hip implant surgery are now complaining of a variety of problems and bringing legal claims. Some symptoms may take years to appear, while others may show up suddenly and over short periods of time.
A number of hip devices, particularly metal hip implants, have been recalled by the manufacturers of such implants and medical equipment.
What are a Few Hip Pain Causes?
A widespread condition known as hip pain causes a person to feel pain in or coming from the hip. Hip discomfort can be a lone occurrence and may be an indication that there is a problem with the person’s hips or hip joint.
Hip discomfort, however, can be related to other illnesses.
Hip discomfort could be a sign of various illnesses, including:
- Lower back pain
- Due to degeneration, a hip implant or replacement
- Damaged sciatic nerve
- Numerous more musculoskeletal conditions
Direct trauma or injury to the hip area, such as those sustained in auto accidents, can cause hip discomfort. Slip and fall incidents are another major cause of such pain.
What Alternative Treatments Exist for Hip Pain?
Numerous treatments are available for hip pain, including:
- Taking painkillers
- Hip operation (implants or replacement of joints)
- Strengthening the hip region with therapy and rehabilitation
Some hip treatments could combine several methods. Following surgery, patients could need rehabilitation.
Replacement Surgery for Faulty Hip Implants
People who file lawsuits against hip implant manufacturers frequently argue that inadequately constructed or tested implants led to difficulties. The problems are frequently so severe that patients require surgery to replace the faulty medical gadget.
The following injuries could be used in hip replacement lawsuits:
- Device displacement
- Device slipping
- Metal poisonings such as metallosis
- Revision surgery for pain
You could still be able to sue even if a defective hip implant was never taken off the market. Find a medical device litigation expert products liability attorney using LegalMatch. If you’ve experienced problems with an artificial hip, a skilled attorney can clarify your legal alternatives to you.
What are Hip Complications from Metal on Metal?
Metal-on-metal implants have increased the number of hip replacement lawsuits in recent years, while any hip replacement may result in hip pain. A metal ball mounted on the top of the thigh bone rotates in a metal cup or socket implanted in the hipbone in metal-on-metal prosthetic hips.
Metal-on-metal implants have been shown to fail earlier than anticipated and come with a condition known as metallosis, despite being advertised as being more durable and lasting than conventional implants.
Metallosis is a form of metal poisoning brought on by the rubbing together of metal parts, which releases minute particles into the body. The artificial hip may become loose as a result of the minute particles damaging the surrounding tissue.
A Tritanium Acetabular Shell Lawsuit: What Is It?
Numerous law firms across the nation are now taking on new cases involving injuries allegedly caused by Tritanium Acetabular Shells manufactured by Stryker Corporation.
In November 2018, the manufacturer of medical devices disclosed a settlement over its LFIT Cobalt Chromium V40 Femoral Heads. Rejuvenate Modular-Neck Hip Stem and ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Stem cases were previously resolved by the business through settlements that began in 2014.
What Kinds of Injuries are Linked to Hip Implants?
Following are a few examples of typical injuries linked to hip implants or hip replacements:
- Leg or hip discomfort that doesn’t go away
- Hip pain or discomfort that spreads to other parts of the body (especially the lower back)
- Upper thigh muscles that feel rigid and rope-like are “dead” muscles.
- Blood poisoning from cobalt toxicity, for example (from the metal used in the implants)
Sulzer, Stryker, or Zimmer products are frequently subject to hip recalls. One should proceed with prudence when deciding whether to get a hip implant.
DePuy Hip Replacements: What Are They?
Metal hip replacements are used in DePuy hip replacement systems to replace the hip joint’s ball and socket. Around 2005, they were made accessible in the US under the brand name DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System.
The DePuy hip replacement system is renowned for using metal-on-metal hip replacements in particular.
DePuy Hip Recall Lawsuits: What Are They?
A recall for DePuy hip replacement goods was announced in 2010. Studies started to demonstrate that patients who had undergone DePuy ASR hip replacement surgeries had a significant frequency of complaints. These included the products’ high failure rates, which included infection, bone fractures/dislocations, component part loosening, and part misalignment.
Particularly troubling was the lack of thorough clinical trials to ascertain safety before the hip replacement goods were permitted on the market.
Patients frequently reported other difficulties in addition to these mechanical issues and failures, including:
- Increased blood metal ion levels
- Damage to the nerves, tissues, and muscles
- Necrosis
- Staining of the bones due to swelling
These problems resulted in a recall, followed by litigation for damages involving the hip replacement goods.
Recalls of Products and Lawsuits
Due to their high failure rate, most manufacturers no longer sell metal hip replacements. In addition to extensive negative media coverage, more research investigations, and higher government regulation as a result of patients’ injuries, thousands of patients have brought legal claims against the producers of the faulty replacement hips. Several manufacturers have previously reached legal settlements.
DePuy Orthopedics, for instance, consented to pay Johnson and Johnson $2.5 billion to resolve claims (the parent company). There is still litigation pending against other metal hip replacement manufacturers.
Make sure to get in touch with an experienced lawyer specializing in this area of law if you have experienced a personal injury or illness due to an artificial hip replacement or other medical devices to learn if you might be entitled to monetary compensation. Even if you haven’t yet felt any discomfort or difficulty, you still might be eligible for a new replacement joint and compensation.
What Kinds of Legal Actions Can Be Taken in a Hip Recall Lawsuit?
A monetary damages award is typically the legal remedy for hip implant injuries. This will pay the plaintiff back for any additional expenditures or expenses related to the defective product. Remember that the amount of damages that can be obtained in medical device claims may be restricted in some states.
Additionally, the manufacturer of the product can be forced to recall it together with related products (thus, “hip recall lawsuit”).
Do I Require Legal Assistance With a Hip Recall Lawsuit?
Hip recall cases involve pretty specific allegations and frequently need legal counsel. If you need to file a hip recall case, you should work with an experienced defective product lawyer.
Your lawyer can help you with creating a legal theory and determining damages. Additionally, your attorney will be able to speak on your behalf throughout the court hearings.
