Hip replacement surgery promises a more mobile and active lifestyle for thousands of Americans sidelined by age, injuries, or disease. Recent advances in new materials, designs, and technologies have encouraged more people to consider a hip replacement operation to remove a damaged joint and replace it with a more durable artificial one.
Many patients have hip replacement surgery and return to an active life but not everyone has such a successful outcome. Thousands who received a metal-on-metal hip – in which the ball, socket or other components are made of cobalt or chromium – have experienced serious, life-changing complications.
Complications of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
Studies have found that the friction of the metal-on-metal hip replacement releases metal particles into nearby tissues and blood. Orthopedic surgeons work to optimize how the components move against each other so there are fewer particles. However, it is impossible to eliminate the production of all metal particles.
The build-up of this metallic debris may result in serious inflammation that can cause groin pain, loss of surrounding bone, and the death of muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue in the hip joint.
There have also been reports about high failure rates, which require revision surgery in order to replace a problem implant.
In response to similar reports, federal regulators have asked manufacturers of metal-on-metal total hip replacement systems marketed in the U.S. to conduct post-market surveillance studies of their devices.
How a Hip Replacement Lawyer Can Help You
If you had hip replacement surgery and your device was recalled or you are experiencing complications requiring revision surgery, you may want to file a claim against the medical device company. An experienced hip replacement lawyer can guide you through the complex process of filing a medical device lawsuit.
Some hip manufacturers are asking patients to sign release forms which may impact your ability to file a legal claim. Don’t sign away your rights. Talk to us first.
Sokolove Law is a leading personal injury law firm with extensive experience across a broad range of personal injuries, including product liability and medical device cases. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn if a hip replacement lawyer can help you.
