Years of daily wear on the human body, particularly the hip joints have caused joint replacement procedures to skyrocket over that past several decades. In 2016 alone, 311,000 hip replacement surgeries were performed in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The American Joint Replacement Registry estimates that 70% of patients who have hip replacement surgery, do so as a result of osteoarthritis. Patients choosing this treatment undergo significant physical and personal stress. It is a major operation that will disrupt their life as they heal, undergo therapy and manage the heavy financial costs. Sadly, a significant of these implants fail, placing patients’ health at risk, and the toll of failure is devastating to patients and their families.
Hip Implants
Originally, metal-on-metal hip devices were thought to be more durable than their ceramic or plastic counterparts. However, multiple studies have concluded that these types of implants may deteriorate faster, expose patients to metal toxicity, and fail at a higher rate than other the other types of prosthesis.
Danger of Hip Implants
- Bone loss caused by device loosening
- Difficulty and pain when walking, standing or carrying weighted objects
- Fractured hip bone
- Leg length discrepancy
- Necrosis: occurs when cells die around the implant. This can lead to the loss of local soft bone and tissue
- Osteolysis:
- Pseudotumors: are a mass of inflamed cells that resembles a tumor but are instead filled with fluids
- Metallosis: is metal toxicity of the blood.
Metallosis is due to metal implant debris, usually, chromium or cobalt, being released into the bloodstream. This condition has serious implications and can include:
- Impaired kidney function
- Thyroid problems, including weight gain, neck discomfort, fatigue and feeling cold
- Depression, cognitive impairment or other psychological issues;
- Skin rashes
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle.
If you received a metal hip implant and have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, contact your physician immediately.
Treatment for Defective Hip Implants
When a hip replacement fails, the treatment is known as revision surgery. Revision surgery entails having the faulty hip prosthesis removed and a new one placed. In 2015, hip arthroplasty revision surgeries accounted for approximately 10% of all hip replacement surgeries.
A Defective Hip Implant Lawsuit
Several hip implants have been subject to a recall over the last few years and many lawsuits have been filed on behalf of those who have suffered from defective hip implants. A lawsuit is often necessary to maximize the settlement value of your case.
Learn more about Filing a Lawsuit
Experienced Defective Hip Implant Attorney
If you feel you or a loved one are victims of defective hip implants, compensation may be available. Attorneys at The Dysart Law Firm P.C. are dedicated to getting you the best results possible.
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