You may need a Zimmer Hip Replacement Lawyer

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) along with BBC Newsnight recently published their results from an investigation on metal-on-metal implants such as the Zimmer hip replacement. The metal-on-metal Zimmer hip replacement may have exposed thousands of patients to toxic compounds due to their chromium-cobalt alloy. The grinding of the metal parts of the Zimmer hip replacement system can create metal debris and release toxic ions in the bloodstream. This can lead to damage to the surrounding tissue, muscles and bones in the hip area. There is some concern that the metal poisoning might also raise the risk of developing cancer or altering the patient’s own DNA.

The report stated that the manufacturers of the metal-on-metal hip implants, including Zimmer hip replacement systems and DePuy’s ASR and Pinnacle systems had known about the risks. However, according to the BMJ, “…patients have been kept in the dark about their participation in what has effectively been a large, uncontrolled experiment.”

Zimmer Hip Replacement Recall

On July 24, 2008, Zimmer Holdings issued a Zimmer Hip Replacement recall. Their metal-on-metal Total Zimmer hip replacement system with Zimmer Durom Cup hip socket was the first to be recalled. DePuy followed with their own recall of metal-on-metal ASR hip replacement systems.

Those patients affected by the Zimmer hip replacement recall had been victims of an unusually high early failure rate and many suffered through a second revision surgery. The metal-on-metal hip replacement systems can cause severe hip pain due to the loosening of the implants and metal poisoning due to the increased metal ion concentrations.

The metal-on-metal hip replacements were cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a process called 510(k) which does not demand that the manufacturer has to submit the product through clinical studies. This least rigorous process is allowed when the FDA considers a new product to be similar to another already approved. The FDA considered that the components of the metal-on-metal hip replacement systems to be like the other systems which used non-metallic parts such as ceramic. As a result, the FDA cleared metal-on-metal hip replacement systems onto the US market without the need for clinical trials, systems like the Zimmer hip replacement system that have a risk of loosening and releasing high concentrations of toxic metal ions.

Zimmer Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Thousands of patients with the metal-on-metal Zimmer systems may have the right for a Zimmer hip replacement lawsuit. Many after only a few years have been forced to have a second surgery to repair or replace their Zimmer hip replacement implant due to the high risk of loosening or metal poisoning. They then have to endure another long rehabilitation process. The Zimmer hip replacement system that desperate patients had hoped would provide with them with mobility has now caused them to suffer severe pain, damage, and loss of mobility. Hundreds may suffer crippling injuries due to the metal debris which can destroy the surrounding tissue, muscle and bones. The cobalt and chromium particles enter the bloodstream which then carries the toxic ions to other parts of the body which may become damaged.

If you or a loved one had a Zimmer metal-on-metal hip replacement implant, you may have a Zimmer hip replacement lawsuit. The law firm of D. Miller & Associates, PLLC will fight for your right to demand repercussion from the manufacturer. It costs you nothing to find out if you might have a claim, and by doing so, you are sending a message that you will not permit these defective product manufacturers to continue experimenting on innocent people. Your consultation if free, but there may be a time limit on your claim so please fill out the contact form or call us now.