May 10, 2013
Joints can deteriorate due to age or injury. But thanks to technology and medical advancements, synthetic implants can be used to replace damaged joints. Hip replacements have become one of the most common joint replacement surgeries.
One manufacturer of replacement hip joints, Stryker Orthopedics, has initiated a voluntary recall of their hip replacement system after it was deemed a Defective Medical Device.
In a press release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency announced that the metal-on-metal joints and bearings used in the device can wear over time. This can result in pain and swelling at the implant sight and may lead to a condition known as metallosis. The condition is a result of small shavings of the metal joint being absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in the accumulation of toxic levels of heavy metals in the blood.
Many who have had the device implanted have either needed to have the device replaced or a corrective surgery performed. Many of the victims also have filed lawsuits against the product’s maker, claiming the company’s negligence was the direct cause of their conditions.
The Bloomfield Hills Personal Injury Lawyers with Michigan Injury Lawyers explain the laws surrounding claims of negligence against a medical device manufacturer can be quite complex. The firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if you are considering filing a lawsuit for damages related to a failed hip replacement device.