Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Failures

Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC Fights on Your Behalf

Metal-on-metal hip replacements were supposed to be a suitable replacement for similar devices that utilized ceramic and plastic. Companies like DePuy emphasized an increased shelf life and improved mobility over previous models. However, years later, a recall has been issued on such products and thousands of people worldwide are suffering the catastrophic impact of hip failure.

What was supposed to last 15 to 25 years with proper care is failing after less than five years in 1 out of every 8 patients. In the event of a device failure, the only treatment option is a painful corrective surgery that entails a lengthier rehabilitation process than the initial operation. Plus, the success rate of these second procedures is far less than the original. Let our firm help you. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC is one of the largest firms in the area and will devote the extensive time and resources it takes to obtain a positive outcome for clients. Since 1922, our Pennsylvania defective medical device lawyers have won millions.

To learn more about your case, call (888) 498-3023 today!

Metal Blood Poisoning & Symptoms of Hip Implant Failure

The FDA is looking into reports about the device causing metal particulates to enter the bloodstream. This can occur because components of a metal-on-metal hip implant rub against each other during use. This can create metal shavings that make their way into the entire circulatory system. Right now, studies are being conducted to look into the risks of heightened levels of metal in the blood. Initial findings suggest this metal blood poisoning is linked with muscle damage, swelling, and non-cancerous tumors.

How can you tell if your hip implant has failed? Possible symptoms:

• Groin, hip, or leg pain
• Swelling in the area of the prosthetic
• A decrease in mobility or a noticeable limp

If your hip implant device has failed, then you owe it to yourself to discuss your legal options with a qualified hip replacement lawyer. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLP has an experienced staff well-versed in the issues surrounding these defective products, and we want to hear from you. Let us file your defective hip implant claim so that we can give you a helping hand every step of the way.

DePuy ASR Hip Implant Recall

The DePuy ASR™ Hip Implant System is a metal-on-metal design, which by today’s standard, is viewed as less than optimal. After time, metal parts can wear, causing small metal particles to shed. Doctors have been treating more and more of these cases and these systems have been recalled. Data shows that approximately 12% of patients who received the ASR needed to have revisionary surgery 5 years after surgery. Revisionary surgery was also required for 13% of patients who received the ASR total hip replacement.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our defective medical device attorneys fight for just compensation on behalf of those who have been injured. As one of the largest firms in the area, we have the experience and resources to devote to your case. We are available 24/7 to take your calls and can meet with you in our offices, located in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, or York.

Begin a free case evaluation with our Pennsylvania personal injury law firm today to learn more about your legal options. Contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC at (888) 498-3023 to take the first step in your case.

What Exactly Is an ASR Device?

The ASR device is part of a class of large diameter, monoblock hip resurfacing and replacement devices preferred by surgeons for young patients who may benefit from the stability, thus limiting the chance of repeated dislocation. The DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System was introduced in 2003 and is only approved for use outside the U.S. The ASR XL Acetabular System was launched in 2004.

Products Affected by the DePuy Recall

The DePuy Orthopaedics unit of Johnson & Johnson has announced a recall of the ASR Hip Implant System used as an implant in hip replacement surgeries. The company recommends that patients with an ASR device contact their surgeon for evaluation.

The following products are affected by the DePuy recall:

• ASR XL Acetabular System
• DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System

ASR Hip Implant Symptoms

The symptoms experienced by many people include pain, swelling, and problems walking. While these symptoms are initially normal, there may be problems if these symptoms persist or return after subsiding.

These symptoms could be a sign of problems such as the following:

• Loosening: When the implant does not stay attached to the bone in the correct position
• Fracture: Where the bone surrounding the implant may have broken
• Dislocation: When the two parts of the implant that move against each other are no longer aligned

DePuy has stated that it intends to “cover reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment if you need services, including revision surgery, associated with the recall of ASR” but lawyers recommend that patients contact a personal injury attorney prior to accepting any compensation.

How to Determine If You Have Had an ASR Hip Implant

If you don’t know who performed your hip replacement surgery, ask your primary care physician or the hospital where you had your surgery. If you are unable to determine the type of implant you received, you can download this release form, fill it out and mail it to the address on the form. This will allow DePuy to contact your surgeon on your behalf. If you or a loved one think you may have received a DePuy ASR Hip Implant System during hip replacement surgery, or if you are noticing any symptoms afterward, please call a seasoned Pennsylvania defective medical device lawyer at (888) 498-3023 for a free consultation.

Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implants

The Zimmer Durom Cup was initially thought to be an advancement in total hip replacement surgery. The device was designed in such a way that it would last longer and fuse naturally to the skeleton, eliminating the need for screws. The device was covered with a porous material that would allow for bone growth and serve as a fusion between skeleton and device. Unfortunately, this device did not live up to the hype. In 2008, the first report released information about the disastrous failure rates associated with the device. The device was temporarily removed from the market and completely discontinued in 2010.

If you have experienced injury due to the Zimmer Durom Cup hip implant, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Let the skilled attorneys from Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC fight on your behalf!

Symptoms Associated with Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implants

Studies have shown up to 11% of implants would fail, requiring replacement. In some cases, the device would migrate and push the metal hip socket against the bone. In many cases, the lack of proper fusion between device and bone suggests a design flaw.

Symptoms to watch out for include the following:

• Stiffness when getting up from a chair (if more than 3 months post-operation)
• Sharp pain in the groin when moving from a bent to upright position
• Significant difficulty when climbing stairs or walking distances
• Need for a cane when walking outside

The metal-on-metal design of the device has been shown to be incredibly dangerous and can lead to cancer, kidney failure, and other internal damage. If you or someone you love has suffered from an injury related to this device, call Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC at (888) 498-3023 to begin a free consult. We are here to fight for you and protect your legal rights.

The Stryker Hip Replacement Debacle

In the medical field, pioneering a new way of doing things is a difficult endeavor. Competing against traditional treatments, branching out and trying something new is a daunting endeavor. Often, years of extensive trials, tests, and results are gathered before a treatment option is ever made available to the general public. If all these tests pass, the product will be released to hospitals for general use.

When things start to go wrong for a new advancement, usually every precaution is taken and all the products are recalled. In the case of the recently created Stryker hip replacement products, this had not been the case.

Between the early to late 2000s, Stryker created a new prosthesis that used metal-on-metal hardware for a variety of new hip replacement components. The metal was created using a titanium alloy: a mixture of titanium, molybdenum, zirconium, and iron. The TMZF alloy was used in different products, leading to a variety of categories of hip replacement materials being made of TMZF. These new prosthetics were thought to be more stable than traditional polyethylene and metal prostheses.For this reason, the new TMZF alloy was given to younger adults who were dealing with hip problems that needed surgical repair. Stryker claimed the TMZF line would help younger adults avoid multiple surgeries, as the TMZF alloy could withstand corrosion and fretting. They were wrong.

The ABG II & Rejuvenate Models

The ABG II and the Rejuvenate hip replacement models were two of the various hip replacement prosthetic lines created with TMZF. These lines did not contain ball-and-socket replacement parts, they were made with new technology that was supposed to allow doctors to “fit the hips” of patients. The technology had interchangeable necks and stems meant to give patients greater stability in everyday life. However, many patients were unable to reach the full effects of the new technology because of the TMZF alloy.

The TMZF alloy had terrible side effects on patients, which Stryker failed to foresee. The necks of the Rejuvenate and ABG models were made of cobalt and chromium, which rubbed against the stem of titanium. This friction caused metal particles to rub off of the stem and run into the patient’s bloodstream. In 2012, Stryker made a recall of the Rejuvenate and ABG models, stating that the prosthetic had fretting and corrosion issues that resulted in pain, swelling, and tissue damage for users.

Worse, Stryker advised doctors to examine the blood of the prosthetic users in hopes that the patient would be clear of any metal in the bloodstream due to TMZF side effects. In 2014, Stryker paid out $1 billion to settle thousands of cases regarding the ABG II and Rejuvenate model issues. However, these models were not the only ones to contain the TMZF alloy.

The TMZF Alloy & 2016 Recall

On October 9, 2016, a recall was announced by the FDA regarding Stryker products that contained the Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Heads (metal) that were manufactured as early as 2006.

This recall was made by Stryker for a number of hip replacement lots, some of which include:

• Accolade TMZF stems

• Accolade 2 stems

• Meridian stems

• Citation Stems

These stems were recalled for, unsurprisingly, the same issues (corrosion) as the ABG II and Rejuvenate models. The connection between the ABG II, the Rejuvenate, and the models being recalled in 2016? All of the stems contain the TMZF alloy.

Is Your Stryker Hip Replacement Causing You to Experience Any of the Following?

• Pain in Hip

• Loss of Mobility

• Inflammation

• Dislocation

• Adverse Local Tissue Reaction

• Joint Instability

• Bone Fracture Surrounding Component

• Need of Revision Surgery

If so, it is important that you seek professional legal counsel as soon as possible.

Call Our Pennsylvania Defective Medical Device Lawyers Today: (888) 498-3023

Our representation comes on a contingency fee basis. This means that instead of a flat hourly rate, we only get paid a certain percentage of the amount of compensation we gain for you. It's simple—if we don't win for you, we do not collect any fees. Our success depends on your results! You have questions, and we want to help. By calling us right now, you can receive a free consultation from a member of our highly qualified legal team. Justice is just a phone call away.

Contact the hip replacement lawyers of Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC today!