Hundreds of thousands of people annually undergo hip replacement surgery. The most common of these reasons are arthritis, injury to the hip joint, and bone tumors. There are different types of hip replacement medical devices, including plastic, ceramic, and metal on metal. Unfortunately, over the past decade, many hip replacement devices have been recalled due to device failure and causing significant injury and problems to patients.
The goal of hip replacement surgery is to help a patient return to an active lifestyle as soon as possible. But, thousands of patients who have received metal on metal hip replacements now have to have them surgically removed and replaced with a newer, safer model.
Smith & Nephew, PLC, is a British-based multinational medical equipment company headquartered in London. It is the world’s 4th largest producer of orthopedic reconstruction products. The FDA approved Smith & Nephew’s Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System on May 9, 2006. The BHR includes the R3 Acetabular System and is a metal-on-metal resurfacing artificial hip replacement system surgically implanted to replace the hip joint.
Over two years ago, on June 1, 2012, just five years after its initial release, Smith & Nephew initiated a recall of the metal liner in its R3 Acetabular System after reports of loosening, pain, device failure, infection, metal sensitivity, and dislocation. These hip replacements are associated with higher than normal revision surgery rates.
After the recall, the company sent out “hazard alert” letters to doctors who had implanted the metal liners, claiming the recall was a “precautionary step.” Smith & Nephew also said it was unable to identify one single reason for the device failure, but there were reports of “infection, dislocation, metal sensitivity, loosening, and fracture.” The letter further instructed doctors to follow up with their patients if they had received the liner.
Almost 4,000 of the R3 Acetabular metal liners were used in the U.S. between 2009 and the June 1, 2012 recall. Because of its metal liner, people who received this implant have suffered a number of complications. Studies have already shown that a high number of R3 Acetabular Systems with metal liners failed prematurely and required revision surgery.
Patients who received the recalled device may have a case against Smith & Nephew to receive compensation for revision surgery costs incurred and any pain suffered. Recipients of the metal liner option in this device are encouraged to evaluate their legal options even if they’re not experiencing complications, since metal ions in the blood may not always manifest symptoms in early stages.
Designers, manufacturers, distributors, and resellers of products and goods must be held accountable for the damage a defective product can cause to you, a family member, or a loved one. These are complicated cases and require the experienced law firm like Graves McLain.
Choosing a lawyer is an important decision. You should seek a law firm with substantial experience in successfully handling similar cases such as Medical Malpractice, Defective Medical Device, and Product Liability cases.
The attorneys at Graves McLain have substantial experience in representing these often difficult, complicated cases. We additionally have the financial resources to conduct a thorough investigation to prosecute the case through trial and appeal if necessary.
Call a Smith & Nephew Hip Revision Surgery Attorney at Graves McLain at 1-800-390-6600 for help.
If a Metal on Metal Hip Implant Medical Device has injured you or a loved one, we may be able to help. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case and determine the best course of action. Contact us today toll-free at 1-800-390-6600, email us directly, or request a free consultation online.
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