Wolf & Pravato's Blogs: Hip Implant System Recalls and Injuries

Unfortunately for those who have replaced hips, being unattached to body parts is a familiar notion. Still, no one expects a hip replacement to have to be replaced due to defects. Yet it happens a lot.

The materials in hip replacements are not exactly ideal for general physical health when they leach into people's systems, which is what they can do. Complaints about leaching metals, hip corrosion, fretting, and other issues have led to lawsuits over numerous types of hip systems used to replace old and worn bones.

Hip Hype

According to Drug Watch, Stryker Corporation recalled two of its hip implants in 2012 and lawsuits are still being filed for injuries associated with the discontinued and defective implants. The Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Stems were both the subjects of an urgent field safety notice nearly half a decade ago, warning surgeons to stop implanting the hips. The corporation received complaints of corrosion and fretting.

Fretting About Fretting

Patients should fret about "fretting," which is a term that doesn't sound so bad, but is actually a very dangerous medical phenomenon. What fretting describes is the process of implant parts breaking off and leaching into the bloodstream, tissue, and bones. It's no good, which is why Stryker stopped selling its two hip implant products but is still dealing with injury suits. They are not alone.

Metallosis and Modular Hips

Omni's Apex K2 hip replacement system reportedly seemed revolutionary because it allows doctors to mix and match parts to create the perfect fit for a patient. But the new building block style hip implant system has its own defects, which have also led to complications.

The hips are built with metal bits that can rub against each other and cause friction, which leads to metallosis. The following are symptoms of the condition:

Auditory impairment that may lead to deafness
Cardiomyopathy (heart problems), including heart failure
Cognitive impairment
Implant loosening
Infection
Nerve problems
Noise coming from the hip
Skin rashes
Thyroid problems
Visual impairment that may lead to blindness

In addition to all of the above, metallosis means you have to replace your hip again. Revision surgery can be draining and every surgery has potential complications. But you can recover damages in a lawsuit to ease your financial pain at least.

Last but Not Least

Yet another medical device company failed at hip replacement and that is DePuy Orthopaedics. It recalled its Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System after complaints of injury and studies showing high implant failure rates. So you see, hip replacement injuries are common.

Talk to a Lawyer

If you too have been injured by one of these systems or any other medical device, find out more about your legal options. Speak to an attorney. Many lawyers consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.

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