Undiagnosed Metal Hip Complications Can Cause Serious Damage and Problems

Harvey Kirk

By Harvey Kirk
Posted October 12, 2011

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Many orthopedic surgeons and doctors worldwide are continuing to struggle to understand the extent of damage and health complications from metal-on-metal hip implants, which may be quietly poisoning tens of thousands of people. Our metal hip lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the United States who have experienced early failure of their implant within a few years, often resulting in the need for a second surgery to revise the hip replacement. We have seen first hand the treatment difficulties individuals impacted by metal hip poisoning can face.

A recent investigative report in the New York Times highlights how many doctors remain at a loss on how to properly diagnose or treat metallosis, a form of blood poisoning caused by cobalt and chromium. This preventable, man-made condition can develop after as microscopic shavings of metal come from the metal hip implants as the parts rub against each other.

In many cases special tests must be performed to detect the high levels of metal in the blood, or the physician may miss that their patient is facing permanent tissue damage. To make matters more muddled, not all patients with high levels of metal in their blood are suffering tissue damage, while others with just low levels can be permanently disabled.

The number of people complaining about problems with their metal hip implants has skyrocketed in recent years. The FDA received more than 5,000 complaints in the first half of 2011 alone. Many of those complaints are linked to complications with the DePuy ASR metal hip implant, which were recalled in August 2010, after it was implanted in approximately 90,000 people.

However, metal hip complications have also been associated with other devices, including the DePuy Pinnacle metal hip and other models made by a number of different manufacturers.

As the New York Time report indicates:

More than a decade ago, some researchers had warned that the hips shed tiny pieces of metallic debris that posed potential health threats to patients. But those warnings were not heeded, and now doctors and patients face a growing public health problem as one of the country’s biggest medical device failures unfolds.

METAL HIP IMPLANT LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk are investigating potential metal hip lawsuits for individuals who have experienced problems or complications from these defective and dangerous artificial hips. To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

1 Comment • Add Your Comments

  • Fran says:

    I am 37 years old and had both hips replaced in 2010, they are both defecitive, And I have to go this whole worable experience in january 2012. My legs, back , and several side effects forrm this horriable experience . is not woth it . I had rather b workin with broke hips !!!

    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 12:14 am

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