Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Hip replacement surgeries are common in the U.S., with more than 285,000 procedures performed each year. For many, it brings much-needed relief from arthritis or injury. But for others, especially those with metal-on-metal hip implants, it leads to more pain and serious complications.
If you’ve had a hip replacement and are now experiencing issues, your device may be one of many recalled for safety problems. Knowing what went wrong, what symptoms to watch for, and what legal rights you have can help you take the next step toward recovery.
Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants were introduced as a durable option for younger, more active patients. They use metal components for both the ball and socket of the joint. However, these parts can rub together, releasing metal particles that enter the surrounding tissue and bloodstream
This condition, known as metallosis, can lead to tissue damage, bone loss, and even systemic health issues. Patients may experience persistent pain, limited mobility, and strange symptoms that often point to implant failure.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), metal-on-metal hip implants can cause “metal ions to be released into the body,” leading to tissue damage and metal toxicity in some patients.
These symptoms can worsen over time and may require revision surgery — a second procedure to remove and replace the faulty implant.
As reports of injuries increased, the FDA and medical device manufacturers issued recalls and safety alerts for certain metal-on-metal hip implants. These warnings were often based on high failure rates, tissue damage, or unexpected complications.
In 2012, Stryker recalled its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems after reporting higher-than-expected failure rates and adverse tissue reactions.
Manufacturer | Recalled Device/Model | Year Recalled | Reason for Recall |
| Stryker | Rejuvenate, ABG II Modular Neck Systems | 2012 | Corrosion and fretting, tissue reactions |
| DePuy (J&J) | ASR XL Acetabular System, Pinnacle w/ metal liner | 2010–2013 | High failure rate, metallosis |
| Zimmer | Durom Cup | 2008 | Loosening, high revision rates |
| Smith & Nephew | R3 Acetabular System, Birmingham Resurfacing | 2012–2015 | Metal debris, implant failure |
| Wright Medical | Conserve Hip Cup System | 2012 | Loosening, implant dislocation |
When a medical device fails, it’s more than just a personal inconvenience. In many cases, it’s a product liability issue. That means the manufacturer may be legally responsible for putting a defective or unsafe product on the market.
Product liability claims often involve one or more of the following:
If your hip implant failed, you may be eligible to seek compensation for:
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally two years after the harm is discovered or should have been discovered in a reasonable amount of time.
Because these cases are time-sensitive and medically complex, it’s best to speak with a lawyer who handles faulty medical device claims.
If you’re unsure whether your implant is failing or has been recalled, there are steps you can take right away:
Request imaging, blood tests for metal levels (especially cobalt and chromium), and a review of your medical records.
Ask your surgeon or hospital for the manufacturer and model name. This will help determine if it’s among those recalled by the FDA.
Keep documentation of all symptoms, medical visits, test results, and treatment plans.
Legal claims involving medical devices often require expert testimony, access to technical records, and a strong understanding of FDA regulations.
Revision surgery for metal-on-metal hip implants can be more complex than the original procedure and often results in a longer recovery time.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, based in Tulsa, has experience handling complex medical device claims, including those involving recalled hip implants. These cases require careful investigation, expert input, and the ability to take on major manufacturers.
Our team helps clients understand their legal options and supports them throughout the process. We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Clients may still be responsible for costs.
A failing implant can cause hip or groin pain, swelling, a squeaking sensation, limited mobility, and even metal poisoning due to debris buildup in the body.
Your orthopedic surgeon or hospital can provide implant records. The FDA website also lists current and past medical device recalls by manufacturer and model.
Metallosis is a form of metal poisoning from implant wear. Diagnosis often includes blood tests for cobalt and chromium and imaging to assess tissue damage.
You may still have a claim if your implant has been recalled or you’re at high risk, but each case depends on your medical history and device type.
Compensation may cover medical bills, revision surgery, pain, lost income, and other damages. The amount depends on your unique circumstances.
Oklahoma law generally gives you two years from when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered to file a claim.
Metal-on-metal hip replacements were once seen as a long-term solution for chronic joint pain. Unfortunately, many patients now face complications that require more surgery, more expenses, and more time spent in pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms or learned your device was recalled, you don’t have to face it alone.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has experience handling product liability claims involving recalled hip implants. We take the time to understand your story, review your records, and help you move forward with confidence.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
