As a lawyer who handles hip implant cases, I am very familiar with the problems associated with metal on metal hip implants like the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle models. Recently, other metal on metal hip replacement companies are being investigated for selling defective hip implants. These include metal on metal hip devices made by Biomet, Zimmer, Smith and Nephew and Wright.
Metal on metal implants were widely used because orthopedic surgeons believed that they would last longer. This was important as patients were outliving their implants. Sadly, the opposite is true, as a significant number of patients have had their implants fail after just a few years. Failed hip implants require revision surgery to replace the device.
Stryker Orthopedics just recalled their Rejuvenate Modular Hip and ABG II models. And recent medical studies prove that metal-on-metal hip replacement systems, like the Biomet M2A Magnum, Zimmer Durom, Wright Conserve, and DePuy Pinnacle have increased failure rates compared to systems made from ceramic or polyethylene.
There are other reasons for hip implant failures such as loosening, osteolysis (the release of metal ions into the body), metallosis (accumulation of metal ions in the body) and neurological problems from prolonged exposure to cobalt and chromium. Some patients report having headaches, persistent metallic taste in the mouth, memory issues, cardiac abnormalities, and other problems.
Our defective hip implant lawyers recommend that patients, who had hip replacement surgery during or after 2005 and received a DePuy ASR XL or other metal on metal hip replacement system, immediately schedule an appointment with their orthopedic surgeon. Patients that do not know what kind of implant was used, should contact their doctor to find out.
If a patient received a DePuy ASR or other metal-on-metal hip replacement system they may be entitled to compensation and should contact an experienced medical device injury attorney to discuss their legal rights.
