Do you have a hip implant? A hip implant is a prosthetic joint used to relieve arthritis pain and improve mobility. A prosthetic hip can be life-changing, but not always in a positive way. Hip implants are associated with numerous side effects including:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Joint dislocation
- Bone loss
- Metal sensitivity
- Metal toxicity
- Nerve damage
- Chronic pain
- Hip implant failure
Hip implants should last 15 to 20 years, but several recalls of hip implants due to premature failure of the device have occurred. The latest recall was announced on July 11, 2013. DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall for the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary component of its artificial hips. On August 1, 2013, the FDA elevated the DePuy recall to a Class-I recall status. A Class-I recall is issued when there is likelihood that a defective medical device will cause serious injury or death.
The recall was issued because the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary component may fracture under normal physiologic loads. This means that the hip could malfunction while the patient is engaged in an everyday activity. There is a greater risk of failure if the patient weighs more than 200 pounds or is very active.
If the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary fractures, the patient will experience severe hip pain and an immediate loss of hip function. The patient may also experience nerve damage, muscle damage, or tendon damage. If the damage is severe, amputation may be necessary. All patients with fractured components will need to undergo hip revision surgery in order to remove and replace the device.
Hip revision surgery is a risky procedure. Patients who have the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary component cannot simply have it removed. The hip is like a ticking time bomb inside their bodies.
This is not the first DePuy artificial hip recall. In August 2010, DePuy voluntarily recalled its Metal-On-Metal ASR hip implants because of a high failure rate.
If you have suffered hip implant failure, you deserve accountability and compensation. Contact a Salt Lake City defective medical device attorney to learn about Utah hip implant failure lawsuits. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, surgical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. To schedule a free consultation, contact the James Esparza Law Firm at 800-745-4050.