Hip replacement revision surgery is an additional surgery performed to correct problems that have developed since a hip implant was installed. Hip revision surgery is performed because the artificial hip has worn out and needs to be replaced to correct any of the problems related to a faulty implant.
If you or a loved one previously, or currently, has to undergo revision surgery to correct an issue with a faulty hip implant, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the metal hip manufacturer It’s important to note that a hip replacement does not need to have been recalled to be the subject of a lawsuit.
This article describes dangers, devices, symptoms and causes leading to hip replacement revision surgery and what you should do if you’re experiencing complications.
Dangers Of Hip Replacement Revision Surgery
Hip replacement revision surgery exposes the patient to more of the dangers related to hip surgery, such as:
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Heart attacks
- Blood clots
Additional surgeries increase the chances the patient will experience one of these issues. A faulty hip replacement implant not only endangers the patient with another round of surgery, but also causes additional stress, pain and discomfort.
Causes Leading To Hip Revision Surgery
As previously discussed, revision surgery is used to correct issues resulting from a faulty hip implant. The most common specific issues leading to this procedure include:
Metallosis (metal poisoning) – This involves an adverse reaction from metal entering the bloodstream. The entry of metal into the bloodstream is due to the metal on metal wear from the device. A study by the BMJ found that, many patients required revision surgery because of abnormal reactions to metal debris. As a result, Metal-on-metal hip implants are now rarely used. (The BMJ. February 13, 2018).
Infection – Some metal hip devices such as the ASR, have a high rate of infection. Although there might be various causes of an infection, certain studies have linked possible correlations between high levels of metal ions in the bloodstream with infection.
Dislocation – The dislocation of a metal hip implant can cause a great deal of pain; thus, making a second surgery necessary.
Implant loosening – Simply put, when an artificial hip replacement becomes loose, it’s more likely the device will fail and put the patient at risk for serious health complications.
Wear and tear – When a hip replacement implant fails, components of the device may rub together causing damage to the device and increasing the chances of metal poisoning.
Bone fracture – Generally, a fracture occurs in the femur right next to the implant stem although fractures of the hip socket are also possible.
What Can You Do?
Di Pietro Partners is a Fort Lauderdale based Law Firm that is pursuing national claims against certain metal hip manufacturers including: DePuy, Smith & Nephew, Zimmer, and Stryker. The firm has a team of medical device and medical malpractice lawyers and has a board certified doctor on staff. If you or a loved one previously, or currently, has to undergo hip revision surgery to correct an issue with a faulty hip implant, call for a free and confidential case evaluation today. 800-712-8462
Contact our law firm for more information today.