In the U.S. there are a number of manufacturers marketing metal-on-metal hip replacement systems including Smith & Nephew, a U.K.-based medical technology firm. Hip replacement systems provide a treatment option for patients who experience decreased mobility and pain due to a diseased or injured hip joint.
Metal-on-metal hips were supposed to be more durable than traditional implants using other materials. However, clinical studies revealed that these devices fail at an alarmingly high rate. Revision surgery to remove a failing device is frequently needed by patients.
Smith & Nephew’s orthopaedics division offers a range of hip replacement systems including the R3 Acetabular System. A component of the Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System – the optional R3 metal cup liner – is linked to serious complications in patients who received it as part of their metal-on-metal replacement hip.
Did you receive a Smith & Nephew hip replacement that included the R3 metal cup liner? Sokolove Law has collected information on a variety of related subjects:
- Smith & Nephew hip replacement surgery
- Smith & Nephew hip replacement recalls
- Smith & Nephew hip replacement lawsuits
Smith & Nephew Metal Hip Component Withdrawn
In June 2012, Smith & Nephew voluntarily withdrew the metal cup liners of the R3 Acetabular System from the market due to a higher-than-expected number of revision surgeries associated with them in total hip replacements performed outside the U.S. More than 7,000 metal liners have been implanted in patients since the component was introduced in 2007.
Smith & Nephew claims the problems with this component are not the same as those found with other all-metal hip implants. However, some patients who allege they suffered dislocations, infections, fractures, and metallosis after implantation with the recalled R3 metal cup liner have filed lawsuits against Smith & Nephew.
