Defective Hip Replacements

Hip replacements help people suffering from joint inflammation.

Hip replacements can help you live a pain-free life. Unfortunately, a device that should result in less pain and increased mobility for its users often turns into limited flexibility, intense pain, and future surgeries to correct the problem.

While medical hip implants are often promoted by doctors as the simple solution to those plagued by arthritis and joint issues, many of the manufacturers who produce these replacement hips are negligent in the testing of their product and go on to release defective devices.

Different Types of Medical Hip Replacement Implants

There’s a wide range of hip replacement devices available today. New innovations constantly promise increased mobility and decreased hip pain, but certain metal-on-metal devices are prone to failing. Many manufacturers ended up recalling their implants, but for most patients, the damage had already been done.

Recalled Devices

Some of the popular recalled devices include:

DePuy ASR Acetabular Cup
DePuy Pinnacle Metal on Metal Hip
Stryker L-Fit V40 Metal Head
Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hips
Zimmer M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology
Wright Conserve Plus and Profemur Z Hip Stem

If you’ve had a metal-on-metal hip replacement in recent years, there’s a strong likelihood your device may actually be on the recall list.

How the FDA Reacted to the Hip Replacement Recall

With innumerable patients coming forward to complain of the negative effects stemming from their hip replacement device, the FDA started to advise doctors to warn their patients of the multitude of issues that continue to plague modern hip replacements.

If you notice decreased mobility, swelling, and hip pain, consult with your doctor and ask if your implant is on the recall list. If you’ve had your hip replaced and have not yet noticed any negative effects, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor and find out whether or not your replacement device is on the list in case you begin to suffer from a defective implant in the future.

The Symptoms of a Failing Hip Replacement

Hip implants often fail without any prior indication to the patient–making it crucial to know exactly what device your doctor implanted into your body.

Here are a few of the common signs that indicate a potential problem with your hip replacement:

Swelling of the hips/groin area
Popping/squeaking noises
Joint dislocation/slippage
Pain during walking
Lumps at the replacement site

If your hip implant has been recalled but you don’t yet notice any symptoms, your doctor can order a blood test to look for increased levels of chromium or cobalt. A sudden spike in cobalt or chromium levels in the body may indicate that your hip implant is wearing down. Aside from being great indicators of an impending hip replacement failure, increased levels of these metals in the bloodstream can cause severe neurological problems and internal organ damage. The point is, even if your hip implant isn’t causing any pain, your best option may be to undergo a revision surgery before things take a turn for the worst.

What to Do If You Think Your Implant Is Failing

Treating failing hip replacements may be as simple as resurfacing the implant’s ball and socket–or, for some unlucky individuals, the entire hip replacement device may need to be removed and replaced with a safer model.

Like any major surgery, hip replacements come with some serious risks attached. You shouldn’t be held accountable for the wrongdoings of someone else. If you’re experiencing a failing replacement hip, the manufacturer of your device deserves to be held accountable for the damage caused to your life.

There’s no time to waste. If your hip is failing, contact your doctor immediately and reach out to an experienced attorney. At Affinity Legal, we pride ourselves on our ability to make our clients feel comfortable while simultaneously getting the financial compensation they deserve.

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