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 .
