New Study Questions Safety of Metal Hip Implants

Los Angeles, CA, December 26, 2011 – The makers of metal-on-metal hip implants may see a surge in injury lawsuits after a new study claims that the devices are less safe than their traditional counterparts. The study, which was sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is believed to be the most comprehensive body of research to date dedicated specifically to tracking failure rates among metal hip implant recipients.

Researchers analyzed data from 18 different studies involving more than 3,000 patients along with an additional 830,000 hip replacement operations that were reported in orthopedic registries. The experts concluded that patients who receive a metal hip implant versus a ceramic or polyethylene implant may be twice as likely to need additional surgery to correct problems with the implant.

The study represents a significant blow to companies that manufacture metal hip implants. A number of companies, including Wright Medical Technologies, Zimmer, Biomet and Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Orthopedics Division are facing lawsuits from patients who claim they suffered severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, metal poisoning and other complications after receiving a metal-on-metal hip replacement system. A number of these devices, including DePuy’s Pinnacle and ASR systems and Zimmer’s Durom Cup, have since been recalled by the FDA.

Researchers were unable to draw any immediate conclusions as to why the metal hip implants appear to have a much higher failure rate than older hip replacement devices. They did, however, advise patients who are about to be fitted with a metal-on-metal implant to speak with their doctor in detail about the device and the advantages it may offer over a traditional hip implant system.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious complications after receiving a metal-on-metal hip implant, you need to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Prominent national law firm Nadrich & Cohen LLP is currently reviewing hip implant claims from patients in all 50 states. No-cost, no-obligation case evaluations are available by calling 1-800-722-0765 or visiting our hip injury resource center at www.DePuyHipReplacementLawyers.net.

Nadrich & Cohen LLP is a national law firm specializing in representing clients nationwide who’ve been injured by defective medical devices, harmful prescription drugs, faulty products, traffic accidents, workplace accidents and dog bites. To learn more about our firm, visit www.PersonalInjuryLawCal.com.

Jennifer Poole
National Client Intake Coordinator
Nadrich & Cohen LLP
12100 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
800-718-4658
www.personalinjurylawcal.com

This release was published on openPR.