The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has reported more than 285,000 hip replacements are performed each year in the U.S. Stryker, a medical device manufacturer, marketed metal-on-metal artificial hips as having the capability to last longer in patients and provide a broader range of motion. The design of metal-on-metal hips involves both the ball and socket components being made from metals such as chromium or cobalt.
In 2011, these artificial hips accounted for approximately one-third of hip replacement procedures. However, due to product failure, Stryker voluntarily issued a hip recall for its ABG II and Rejuvenate hip devices and shut down global distribution of these products in 2012.
According to The New York Times, as patients continued to encounter problems with their artificial hips, the FDA ordered studies of all artificial hip producers to address concerns and determine whether the hip implants were shedding an exorbitant amount of metal debris.
The FDA listed several health risks and adverse effects that could result from metal-on-metal hip implants including:
-Tissue Damage
-Hip/Groin Pain
-Infection
-Swelling and Numbness
Metal ions entering the bloodstream from the artificial hips raised additional concern because this could lead to the following:
-Auditory or Visual Impairments
-Renal Failure
-Thyroid Impairments
-Cognitive Impairments
Metal ions entering the bloodstream from the artificial hips raised additional concern because this could lead to the following:
-Auditory or Visual Impairments
-Renal Failure
-Thyroid Impairments
-Cognitive Impairments
Patients have been encouraged to speak with their physicians, if they have been the recipient of a metal-on-metal hip implant, even if they have yet to experience any symptoms. Failure of these defective products can lead to the need for hip revision surgeries or alternative care.
Manufacturers are responsible for thorough testing of all products before they are marketed. When companies fail to provide proper testing, products can result in patient harm. Our attorneys have experience in litigating against large medical manufacturing companies such as Stryker. If you or a family member received a metal-on-metal hip implant in Illinois, contact a Chicago defective medical device lawyer at [[title]] Call [[phone]] for a free consultation today.