Baker Zimmerman & Perez – Defective Hip Attorneys

Metal on Metal Hip Replacements, Ceramic on Ceramic Hip Replacements

Hip replacement is one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the United States. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 231,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States. 

A total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where, the damaged or diseased bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic (artificial) components. The hip prosthetic consist of a ball component, made of metal or ceramic, and a socket, which has an insert or liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal. The implants used in hip replacement are biocompatible, which means they are designed to be accepted by your body and should resist corrosion, degradation and wear. 

People have hip replacements to decrease pain, increase mobility and quality of life after their hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, an accident and sometime because of age and usage. The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). 

There are currently four device options for total hip replacement in the U.S. according to the FDA. These include: 

• Metal-on-Polyethylene that uses a metal ball and a plastic or plastic-lined socket 
  
• Ceramic-on-Polyethylene that pairs a ceramic ball and a plastic or plastic-lined socket 
  
• Metal-on-metal, in which both components are constructed of metal 
  
• Ceramic-on-ceramic, pairing a ceramic ball with a ceramic-lined socket 
  

Complications from hip implants can include reaction to anesthesia, heart attack, infection, blood clots, leg-length inequality, dislocation, nerve and blood vessel injury, bleeding, fracture, stiffness and reoccurring pain. Hip implants can also wear and loosen. In some cases additional or replacement surgery is needed. 

Over the last couple of years, the federal government has received a surge in complaints about failed hip replacements, suggesting that serious problems persist with some types of artificial hips causing potentially serious health dangers. Two recent recalls of popular hip replacements include the DePuy ASR Hip Replacements and the Wright Profemur Z Hip Stem Replacement. These problems are often due to manufacturers negligence, rush to market and defective replacement parts and components (metal on metal hip implants or ceramic hip implants).

Have you or a family member suffered severe injuries as a result a hip replacement and would like to know more about your rights? – Contact Baker Zimmerman & Perez today at 800-886-LAWS.