Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

CaseyGerry attorneys are not currently accepting new clients for this case.  

Hip replacements are typically recommended for people with severe hip arthritis. As the population ages, increasing numbers of people are getting hip implants, which can cause some complications. Metal-on-metal hip plants are now under scrutiny, and may not last as long as ceramic or plastic counterparts, requiring repeat surgery.

What are metal on metal implants?

Metal-on-Metal devices are hip implants where both the ball and socket components are made of metal. These metal implants have been used in total hip replacement surgeries and hip resurfacing procedures.

What are the other specific dangers of these devices?

Metal-on metal devices which can potentially trigger metallosis  — an adverse reaction to metals in the body which can result in pain, limited mobility, failure of the hip joint, tumor-like growths, dissolution of the bone and chromosomal aberrations in some patients. Patients with these metal-on-metal implants have also been found to have high levels of metal ions in their blood stream, evidence of the microscopic wear particles escaping into the body. There have been a few case reports of patients with metal-on-metal hip implants developing a reaction to these ions and experiencing medical problems that might have been related to their implants, including effects on the nervous system, heart and thyroid gland.

In addition, the syndrome can result in the loosening and ultimate failure of the device.

What are Symptoms?

Symptoms may include hip/groin pain, local swelling, numbness or changes in your ability to walk. It is important that to contact your surgeon to help determine why you are experiencing any of these.

Who are some of the manufactures of these devices and how do I know if I have one?

Manufacturers of recalled device included DePuy and Stryker. Patients are usually told about the type of implant they are receiving prior to the surgery. If you are uncertain about which type you have, contact the orthopedic surgeon who performed your procedure.

The pharmaceutical and medical device attorneys at CaseyGerry led the way in hip implant litigation, having filed cases against the manufacturers of the recalled DePuy metal-on-metal ASR hip implants, and other similar systems.

One of the most respected and oldest plaintiffs’ personal injury law firms in Southern California, CaseyGerry has represented individuals in high profile pharmaceutical and medical cases across the nation.