Knee and hip replacements continue to increase in numbers. As baby boomers continue to age and require more medical care, hip and knee replacement options also continue to expand. While it is important to have choices related to medical care, many of the current hip and knee replacement options available on the market are failing. Hip replacement failures have led to the filing of hip replacement lawsuits against the manufacturers of the replacement joints.
In an effort to help people who may need a hip or knee replacement soon, we’ve created this collection of hip and knee replacements that are currently known to fail. This list isn’t all-inclusive. It also shouldn’t be considered as medical or legal advice. This post is simply an educational to help you do your research while you prepare for surgery.
Metal on Metal Hip Replacement Failure
Metal on metal hip replacements are generally recommended for younger, more active individuals. However, they are not without their risks. Two of the risks listed by the FDA include infection and joint dislocation. In September 2011, a report was released by the National Joint Registry for England and Wales that stated metal on metal hip replacements had one of the highest failure rates.
DePuy ASR
Over the last ten years, the FDA has received numerous reports regarding their metal on metal replacement. In 2011, the FDA stated that the design of the DePuy ASR had a defective design. The failure rate for this device is 13%. However, if you received a hip replacement using a DePuy ASR in 2003 or before, you may have a defective unit.
Infections (including sepsis), unit slippage, and dislocation are the main risks associated with this model.
DePuy Pinnacle
By December of 2010, DePuy Pinnacle was listed in more than 500 complaints to the FDA regarding hip replacement failure. Many of the reports state that the stem is loosening and slips out of the cup. Several of the patients who experienced this required corrective surgery. Hip replacement lawsuits have been filed against DePuy.
Zimmer Durom Cup
The Durom Cup was recalled due to inadequate surgical instructions. Introduced in 2006, the Durom Cup was used in more than 12,000 hip replacements. Hip replacement failure occurred 5.7% of the time. Similar issues have occurred with Zimmer’s NexGen CR-flex knee replacement joint.
Stryker
In 2008, Stryker recalled two of their hip replacement models: Trident Acetabular PSL Cup and Trident Hemispherical Cup. Side effects of these two hip replacement failures include severe pain, difficulty walking, and broken bones.
Hip Replacement Failure Is Serious
Hip replacement failure and knee replacement failure are extremely serious matters. This list is only a partial list of devices. If you’re considering a hip or knee replacement, make sure that you do your research. Read more than just the manufacturer’s website. You should also know the symptoms of hip replacement failure:
- Pain in your groin, hip, or in your leg;
- Swelling near the joint;
- A change in your walking;
- Chest pain;
- Shortness of breath;
- Numbness;
- Weakness;
- Severe fatigue.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests, special imaging tests, or joint aspiration to determine if your replacement joint is failing.
Hip Replacement Lawsuits
If you developed an infection or suffered from another serious adverse side effect after a knee or hip replacement, you may be eligible to file a hip replacement lawsuit. Goldwater Law Firm represents injured patients who may benefit from a hip replacement lawsuit. Initial consultations and case evaluations are free. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us now.