Are you one of the millions of Americans who has had to have a hip replacement? Such an operation and its recovery can be difficult in a normal situation but can become devastating to deal with if you have been given a metal on metal hip implant as a replacement. Research has shown that metal on metal hip implants can malfunction and cause debilitating injury and even become life-threatening. In recent years, metal on metal hip implant manufacturers have come under scrutiny and have been subject to multi-million dollar compensation lawsuits.
The Issue With Metal on Metal Hip Replacements
The use of metal on metal hip implants became popular in the U. S. over a decade ago. They were praised as being stronger and longer lasting than their counterparts of ceramic and plastic hip implants. Many manufacturers proclaimed that the metal on metal hip replacements would last 2× as long (20 – 30 years) as those made from the other materials. However, within a few years time frame, it became evident that the manufacturers had greatly miscalculated the durability of metal on metal hip implants. Within only a few years after their surgery, thousands of patients who had received metal on metal hip replacements began experiencing serious issues with their implants. They experienced issues such as:
- Loosening of the implant causing dislocation
- Bone loss due to loosening of the implant
- Fracturing of surrounding bones
- Metallosis (a type of metal poisoning in the bloodstream)
- Necrosis (death of tissue and soft bone around the implant)
- Osteolysis (severe pain caused by the thinning and wearing down of bones)
Studies have shown that these issues occurred due to the metal parts of the hip implant rubbing together and releasing metal particles and ions into the body. This caused the implants to wear down quicker and also to release toxins into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. Many manufacturers placed recalls on their metal on metal implants and thousands of patients have undergone grueling second surgeries to replace the defective implants. However, thousands of more patients still have the metal on metal hip implants and are unknowingly suffering or could soon be dealing with the debilitating side effects of their metal on metal hip replacement.
What Can Be Done?
Investigations have revealed that many of the manufacturers of metal on metal hip implants did not do enough in testing the product nor in notifying consumers of issues with the product soon enough. This has laid the groundwork for those who have suffered the ill effects of metal on metal hip replacements to seek compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected by or believe that you are suffering from the malfunction of metal on metal hip implants, please contact one of our experienced attorneys today to see if we can help you get the compensation you need.