Newer Doesn’t Always Mean Better When It Comes to Hip Implants

Jan. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- A new Austrian study confirms several previous studies’ findings that metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants do not perform any better than older, less expensive designs.  The five-year study, published by The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS), revealed that not only are the newer hip and knee replacement joints made of all metal not performing any better, but 30 percent of the new joints actually performed worse than older versions that are made of polyethylene, requiring revisions surgery in patients. (http://www.jbjs.org/article.aspx?articleid=181165)

This Australian review is a part of a special issue of the JBJS devoted to studies that examine the benefits and the limitations of orthopedic registries. While America does not have a registry, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is financing efforts to see whether data from sources like overseas databases and registries run by hospitals here can be used to better monitor device performance, as reported by The New York Times.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/23/health/research/new-mod...)   This month, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the Senate that could force manufacturers to track the performance of implants like artificial hips after they have been approved for sale. Proponents of the bill acknowledge that the measure faces an uphill fight.

This study has serious implications for the United States where approximately 700,000 hip or knee replacement surgeries are performed annually. The Australian researchers concluded that the new devices are not only potentially detrimental to patients, they are also contributing to increased health care costs.

The researchers reported that the problem is that many new artificial hip and knee joints are being introduced with “limited or no clinical evidence to justify their use.” Insufficient testing of new devices also makes it difficult for surgeons to compare their performance with established devices with longer track records.  (http://www.jbjs.org/article.aspx?articleid=181165)


In February 2011, the FDA issued a public health communication about metal-on-metal hip implants and noted that it was “actively working in several areas to assess the safety and effectiveness” of such implants, including a comprehensive review of risk-benefit profiles, utilization trends, patient selection criteria, pre-operative patient counseling, surgical technique, follow-up, and revision rates associated with metal-on-metal hip systems in the United States, as well as adverse events that may be associated with increased levels of cobalt and chromium in the bloodstream (http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProce...).

In November 2011, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) on November 29, 2011, revealed evidence of higher rates of hip implant revision associated with metal on metal (MoM) implants compared with traditional metal on polyethylene implants in the three largest national registries.  

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. recommends that anyone with a metal-on-metal hip implant system, who is experiencing pain in the groin, hip or leg, swelling at or near the hip joint, or a limp/change in walking ability, first seek medical attention.  Then file an adverse event report with the FDA at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm.  Lastly, consult with an experienced attorney.

Ennis & Ennis is offering free, nationwide, confidential consultations to anyone who has a metal-on-metal hip replacement system by calling toll free 1-800-856-6405 or by going to www.ennislaw.com and completing an online case evaluation form.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is a nationwide law firm with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Washington D.C. that concentrates its practice in mass torts and represents individuals against pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing clients individually since 1986 and has recovered over $100 million in settlements for its clients.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is also investigating cases involving, Accutane, Actos, Avandia, Fosamax, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Depuy Hip Recall, Zimmer Hip Recall, Wright Conserve Hips, Wright Profemur Hips, Depakote, Reglan, SJS/Dilantin, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella Birth Control Pills.

Remember the law limits the time in which a claim can be filed, so don't wait to explore your legal rights.  Call today toll free 1-800-856-6405 or visit www.ennislaw.com.