Hip Replacement Problems

Many lawsuits are being filed against the makers of metal-on-metal artificial hip implants, claiming that the implants fail prematurely or cause other medical problems. The medical community and The U.S. Food and Drug Administration are looking at these devices closely and some devices have already been recalled.

The hip forms a “ball and socket” articulation between the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). For many years, polyethylene lined acetabular cups with ceramic or metal femoral heads were the materials of choice for a total hip surgery. Over time the polyethylene liner becomes worn, especially in active individuals. This breakdown requires a revision surgery to replace the liner. For many years ceramic hip components have been an option, but run the risk of chipping or breaking with aggressive use.

In recent years, metal on metal total hip arthroplasy has been the most popular surgical option, especially in young and active individuals who would like to return to an active lifestyle. Manufacturers have promoted metal on metal implants as having a longer service life than other options. They also claimed that this increased life will reduce the incidence of necessary surgical replacement.

It now appears that metal on metal are failing and requiring early revision (requiring replacement of one or more parts), more often than the other types of implants. Commonly, the revision is needed because the patients are experiencing pain and recurrent dislocations. Revision surgeries may cause bone loss and tissue damage.

Other reasons for metal on metal hip failure include:

•Loosening - aseptic loosening is one of the most common reasons for metal on metal failure. Usually the acetabular cup will become loose requiring revisionary surgery.

•Osteolysis - the metal on metal articular surface results in the release of metal ions into the body that potentially cause bone loss (osteolysis). This would cause the bone to be unable to hold the devices in place.

•Metallosis - the accumulation of metal ions or metal debris in the body. This can cause pseudotumor (encapsulated metal stained fluid), tissue death and bone degradation. These metal ions may cause damage to bone, muscles, and tendons.

•Neurological problems - unexplained symptoms may be a result of prolonged cobalt and chromium ions. Scientific research is being conducted regarding this matter. Some recipients of these implants are reporting headaches, persistent metallic taste in the mouth, memory issues, cardiac abnormalities, and other problems. Whether these symptoms are related to the accumulation of metal ions in the body is still uncertain.

•Potential causes of excessive wear - clinical trails are finding that some of the metal on metal designs appear to be wearing faster than others. Periodic testing of cobalt and chromium levels in the blood is now recommended. These elements should exist in the body at low levels, there have been some instances where these levels have been elevated 150 times the normal level.


Lawsuits are being filed in a few different types of implants and some have been consolidated in multi-district litigation (MDL) including:

•Zimmer Durom Cup - primary issues regarding this device are cup loosening and cup migration. Lawsuits involving this device are filed in or removed to federal court and are being transferred to MDL pending in the District of New Jersey

•DePuy ASR - the main issues in this device are cup loosening and metallosis. These cases are being transferred to MDL in Northern District of Ohio.

•DePuy Pinnacle - primary issues are cup loosening and metallosis as in DePuy ASR. These cases are being transferred to MDL pending in the Northern District of Texas.


With over three decades of experience, the law office of Rudolph F. X. Migliore, P.C. is well positioned to help those who have been harmed by these devices. Our firm works with nationally recognized co-counsel to reach major verdicts and settlements. Call Rudy Migliore at (631) 543-3663 or visit Migliorelaw.com .

Ongoing Complications with Hip Replacements

Recently, The New York Times cited a study that observed the outcomes of hip replacement surgeries over a five year period. It found that none of the modern, all-metal hip implants outlasted older versions and 30% were worse and caused more complications by comparison. The metal-on-metal ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement, manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, is believed to have a design flaw. This flaw has caused many patients to require hip revision surgery shortly after the placement of the implant.

The Times state that “the friction of metal parts – the ball and joint – rubbing against each other create splinters that can cause infection and other damage to the people who host these devices.” Estimations predict that the all-metal devices account for about 33% of the 250,000 hip implants that are put into patients on an annual basis. The Times estimate that 500,000 patients host the all-metal implants.

There are several manufacturers of these flawed devices, the two largest being DePuy Orthopaedics, (a division of Johnson & Johnson) and Zimmer Holdings. As of October 2011, DePuy division has recalled 40,000 of its all-metal implants. Already, 3,500 patients have filed suit against Johnson & Johnson. Meanwhile, the Times said that Zimmer Holdings claimed that “it’s all metal implants are safe,” and “hundreds of patient claims” were settled.

There is no tracking within the industry, nor by the US government to determine the frequency of hip replacement failures. However, it is estimated that the allegedly flawed all-metal hip replacements will cost their manufacturers millions of dollars in legal fees and settlement costs.

If you or a loved one has had complications following a hip replacements surgery, contact the Law Firm of Rudolph F. X. Migliore, P.C. at (631) 543-3663 to arrange a free case evaluation. With over three decades of experience, the firm is well-positioned to help victims of defective hip replacements. Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. works with nationally recognized co-counsel to obtain major verdicts and settlements. Visit: www.migliorelaw.com/personal-injury/dangerous-medical/depuy-hip

Zimmer Durom Cup Defective Hip Replacements

Zimmer Holdings Inc, the designer of Zimmer Durum Hip Replacement Cup has announced a recall of their product. The Zimmer Durom Hip Replacement was designed to relieve patients suffering from non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease, which has now caused a series of complications and complaints from those patients. The cup is designed to bond securely to the patients hip socket. Unfortunately, in most patients the cup slipped out of place causing an immense amount of pain and suffering. Victims of the defective hip replacement endured several months to years with severe pain before undergoing a revisionary surgery to correct the displacement. The elderly, unaware of the problem were forced to undergo the stress and cost of a second surgery to alleviate their discomfort. These surgical procedures could have been avoided if the company investigated the problem sooner or conducted malfunction tests on their product.

In the spring of 2008, by order of the Food and Drug Administration, productions of the cups were eventually discontinued after an entire year passed being implanted in patients. Zimmer Holdings is taking responsibility for this problem, addressing the public's concerns regarding the defective hip replacement. Zimmer understands the pain and suffering their acetabular component caused in patients. Since their introduction in 2006, U.S. surgeons have completed successful surgeries while others have seen an increased rate in revisionary surgeries.

Hip replacement lawsuits are being filed against Zimmer Holdings, Inc nationwide. Zimmer Durom hip replacements are causing major complications and painful health conditions for patients who were implanted with this device. These side effects are not normal, as the hip replacement is meant to relieve pain and suffering, not worsen it. Contact a medical professional if you are experiencing such discomfort or pain.

Individuals harmed by the Zimmer Durom hip replacement surgery should seek legal help. The Long Island law firm of Rudolph F.X Migliore, P.C has the resources to handle product liability cases. The Migliore firm has represented clients in a wide range of product liability cases in the last three decades and has worked with nationally recognized co-counsel to reach successful settlements for clients. If you or a loved one has experienced hip pain, limited mobility or suffering caused by the Zimmer Durom hip replacement surgery, contact the Long Island, NY Law firm of Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C at (631) 543-3663 to arrange a free case evaluation.
Visit: www.migliorelaw.com