Hip Replacement Complaints Rise As Injuries Continue

An increase in complaints about failed hip replacements has indicated to the federal government that patients are continuing to experience serious problems with certain types of artificial hips.  The majority of the complaints stem from patients who have had an all-metal hip removed because a device failed after only a few years.  Typically, replacement hips last 15 years or more.

Since January, the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 5,000 reports about popular devices known as metal-on-metal hips.  One of the most problematic devices, the A.S.R., or Articular Surface Replacement, was recalled last year by the DePuy division of Johnson & Johnson.  The Zimmer Duron Cup as well as implants made by Stryker Orthopedics have also been the subject of patient complaints.

Many all-metal devices were sold without testing in patients or without a requirement that producers track their performance.  However, following all the negative reviews from patients, the FDA ordered makers of the devices to study how frequently replacements were failing and to examine the threat to patients in May.  The growing number of patient complaints confirms what researchers and experts have feared — that all-metal replacement hips are on track to become the biggest and most expensive medical implant problem since Medtronic recalled a widely used heart device component in 2007.

In many cases, patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements have suffered crippling injuries caused by tiny particles of cobalt and chromium that the metal devices shed as they wear.  Injuries include damaged muscles and other soft tissue, severe inflammation or the need for additional surgery, also called a revision.

The attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving pharmaceutical and medical device injuries.  Our extremely skilled team of attorneys and medical experts have successfully pursued litigation and obtained verdicts and settlements for victims of medical device injuries.  If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as a result of an artificial hip replacement, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.