Metal on Metal Hip Implants

Concerns with metal-on-metal hip implants continue as more lawsuits are filed nationwide alleging that the systems can fail, causing metal particles to be released into the bloodstream and surrounding soft tissue. The failures can result in metallosis and other conditions, and often necessitate painful and more complicated revision surgery, in which the device is removed and replaced by an entirely new device.

The FDA provides a synopsis of concerns on its website, noting that “All artificial hip implants carry risks including wear of the component material. Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants have unique risks in addition to the general risks of all hip implants.”

At least twelve metal-on-metal hip replacement systems or components are thought to fail at alarming rates, creating serious risk of injury to patients. These are some of the devices that have been recalled:

  • DePuy ASR™ XL Acetabular System and Hip Resurfacing System
    • DePuy Orthopedics, a unit of Johnson & Johnson, in August 2010 voluntarily recalled its DePuy ASR TM total hip system citing data from the UK joint registry indicating the revision rates of 13% within the first 5 years of implantation
  • Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System (BHR)
    • In 2015, Smith & Nephew’s BHR system was recalled, citing revision rates higher than established benchmarks. The BHR system uses a cobalt-chromium alloy—a metal-on-metal design that, with wear, causes metal ions from the implants to migrate into surrounding tissues, resulting in adverse symptoms such as pain, metallosis, and bone and tissue necrosis.
  • Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System
    • In June 2012 Smith & Nephew initiated a market withdrawal for metal liners of its R3 Acetabular System citing a higher than expected number of revision surgeries in total hip replacements outside the United States.
  • Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component (Durom Cup)
    • In July 2008, Zimmer Holdings voluntarily recalled its Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component (“Durom Cup”) because the instructions for use and instructions for surgical technique for implanting the device were inadequate. Zimmer issued an “Urgent Device Correction” letter to surgeons at that time.

If you have suffered complications from a recalled hip implant, it is important to understand that a recall will not necessarily compensate you for future medical expenses and other losses.

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G&E is investigating the safety risks of metal-on-metal hip implants and is monitoring ongoing developments at all times.

If you or a loved one has experienced complications after receiving a metal-on-metal hip implant, please contact us by submitting the contact form or by calling us at (877) 790-3588 for a confidential evaluation of your potential claim. All cases are evaluated on an individual basis. We can also assist you in determining which implant you have or had.