METALLOSIS FROM METAL HIP REPLACEMENTS
Metallosis is commonly referred to as metal poisoning, or cobalt/chromium poisoning. The condition occurs after metallic components from hip replacements rub against one another resulting in the accumulation of metal in the body’s soft tissue. This condition has also occurred in patients that are sensitive to the implant, or for other unknown reasons. Over the last 40 years, this condition has been observed in an estimated 5% of metal hip replacement implant patients.
The medical device injury attorneys at Di Pietro Partners are pursuing cases against certain manufacturers of metal hip implants. Many of these devices are/were defective, and exposed patients to unnecessary health risks including cobalt/chromium poisoning. Therefore, if you or a loved one are suffering from metallosis as a result of a defective hip implant, you may be eligible to file a metal hip replacement lawsuit.
Metallosis Symptoms
Certain metal on metal hip implants may cause pieces of metal to be worn off the device. The metal may cause damage to nearby bones and tissue. According to the FDA, these metal particles may even enter the bloodstream and cause problems in a patient’s heart, nervous system, skin, and thyroid gland. Thus, metal pieces of ions from metal on metal hip replacements present serious health risks.
The FDA recommends that anyone who undergoes a metal-on-metal hip replacement surgery be on the lookout for symptoms which may indicate a problem with their implant. These symptoms include:
- Pseudo tumor
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- numbness
- weakness
- change in vision or hearing
- fatigue
- feeling cold
- weight gain
- change in urination habits
Patients who have any of these symptoms after a hip replacement surgery may be experiencing a reaction to the metal of the implant or an increase in the amount of metal in the bloodstream. You can find additional information about these symptoms on the FDA’s Information for Patients Who Have Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants.
DEFECTIVE AND/OR RECALLED METAL HIP DEVICES
The following list below are metal hip replacement devices that are prone to failure and patient injury. These devices are categorized by the manufacturer. You can visit the links below for more information on a specific device. It’s important to note, many of these devices have been recalled due to higher-than-normal rates of failure and metallosis in patients.
DePuy
ASR Acetabular Hip Replacement System
Zimmer
Smith & Nephew
Stryker
What can you do?
If you or a loved one are suffering from symptoms of metallosis or are suffering from other complications due to a faulty metal hip implant, it’s important to seek legal/medical aid immediately as these issues can be serious, and there’s a statute of limitations on your case.
Di Pietro Partners has a broad certified medical doctor on staff and are experienced trial attorneys. If your issue occurred anywhere in the United States, our lawyers will examine your case free of charge and you won’t have to pay any fees until we win your case. If you’d like a free and confidential case review, call this number today 1.800.712.8462