Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants were once promoted as a durable option for joint replacement, especially in younger, active patients. But over the past decade, these devices have been linked to serious health complications. In response, the FDA has issued several safety updates and recommendations for patients and surgeons. If you or a loved one received a metal hip implant, it’s essential to understand the risks and your legal rights.
This guide explains how these implants work, what side effects to watch for, and what steps to take if you’ve been affected.
MoM hip replacements are designed with a metal ball and metal cup that replicate the function of a natural hip joint. As the joint moves, the two metal surfaces glide against each other. These devices were once thought to be stronger and longer-lasting than implants made from ceramic or plastic materials.
Unfortunately, this design has a significant drawback: when the metal components grind together, they can release tiny particles of metal into the surrounding tissue or bloodstream. These particles may trigger painful inflammation, tissue damage, and, in some cases, metal toxicity. Many patients who received these implants have experienced significant complications, some requiring additional surgeries.
The health issues linked to MoM implants range from local tissue problems to full-body symptoms caused by elevated metal levels in the blood.
The FDA does not currently have enough scientific data to specify a safe blood level for cobalt or chromium. Adverse reactions appear highly individual. – U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Symptoms of metal toxicity may include headaches, memory issues, dizziness, fatigue, skin rashes, and vision or hearing problems. These side effects often appear gradually and can be challenging to trace back to the implant without proper medical testing.
After reviewing growing evidence and adverse event reports, the FDA released a safety communication following a 2012 advisory panel meeting. Their findings led to stronger recommendations for both surgeons and patients.
Patients with metal-on-metal hip implants should pay close attention to any new symptoms, even years after surgery. – FDA Medical Device Advisory Panel.
Doctors are now advised to avoid using MoM implants unless no other alternative is appropriate. Patients with existing implants should undergo regular follow-up care, including imaging or blood tests, if they develop symptoms.
For complete guidance, patients and providers can review the FDA’s safety page:
FDA Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Guidance
Many patients are unaware that their health issues may be related to their hip implants. Understanding the signs of a failing device or metal toxicity can help you get the care you need sooner.
Complication | Common Symptoms |
| Metallosis | Groin pain, fatigue, metal taste, skin rash |
| Tissue or bone damage | Swelling, inflammation, mobility issues |
| Implant loosening or dislocation | Clicking sounds, instability, limited movement |
| Cobalt/Chromium toxicity | Hearing loss, memory issues, numbness, vision issues |
| Device failure | Requires revision surgery, worsening pain |
If you notice any of these symptoms—especially if they’re getting worse over time—it’s essential to speak with your doctor. Imaging, blood tests, and medical records can help identify the problem.
You can also report adverse effects to the FDA to help strengthen patient safety data:
Oklahoma law generally gives injured patients two years from the date they discovered or should have discovered the injury to file a lawsuit. – Oklahoma Statute of Limitations, Title 12 O.S. § 95
If your metal-on-metal hip implant has failed or caused serious side effects, you may be able to file a product liability claim. These cases aim to hold manufacturers accountable for designing or selling defective medical devices.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers handles defective medical device claims throughout Oklahoma and can help you understand whether your case qualifies.
Metal-on-metal hip implants use a metal ball and cup to replace the hip joint. They’re designed for durability but have raised safety concerns due to metal debris.
The friction between the metal parts can release particles that damage tissue or enter the bloodstream, potentially causing pain or systemic illness.
Symptoms may include persistent pain, swelling, reduced mobility, clicking sounds, and signs of metal toxicity like fatigue or skin rashes.
Yes. If the implant is defective and has caused injury, you may be eligible for compensation through a product liability claim.
Generally, you have two years from the date you discovered the injury. Speaking with an attorney quickly can help preserve your rights.
Possible compensation includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and the cost of revision surgery, depending on your case details.
Metal-on-metal hip implants have caused complications for thousands of patients. If you’re experiencing hip pain, inflammation, or signs of metal toxicity, don’t ignore the symptoms. Seek medical care to evaluate the device’s condition and protect your health.
If you’ve needed revision surgery or suffered harm due to a faulty implant, you may have legal options. A product liability claim can help you recover damages and hold the manufacturer accountable.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps Oklahoma patients pursue justice after defective medical devices cause harm. Our team is here to review your case and guide you through your next steps.
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.
