Asymptomatic Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Patients May Still Be Experiencing Tissue Damage

Oct. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- According to The New York Times, the most recent breakthrough in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements indicates that patients may suffer permanent tissue damage and not experience the symptoms until it is too late. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/01/health/01hip.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

According to the article, all orthopedic implants, regardless of their composition, shed debris as they wear.  However, researchers believe that the particles released by the MoM hips pose a special threat because scavenger cells dispatched by the body to neutralize the debris convert it into biologically active metallic ions. This, in turn, can destroy tissue and muscles in patients.  This damage can occur with or without high levels of metal in the blood and can also occur with or without the symptom of pain.

MoM hip implant awareness began in February 2011, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health communication about the devices 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, 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...).  

Then on May 6, 2011, the FDA issued orders to 21 manufacturers of MoM hip systems, including DePuy Orthopaedics, Stryker, Zimmer, Biomet and Wright Medical Technology, for post-market surveillance studies, which required the companies to provide additional studies regarding the possible adverse health consequences of the implants.  Unfortunately, these studies will not be complete for at least five years.  

Last month the New York Times reported that the FDA received more than 5,000 adverse event reports in the first six months of 2011 regarding MoM hips, which was more than the agency had received in the prior four years combined.  Then a study in England revealed that all-metal hips were failing early at three times the rate of hips made from metal-and-plastic components, which can last 15 years or more.

“This report is consistent with the complaints we have received from potential clients who are devastated because their metal-on-metal implant is only lasting a couple of years, at best, when they are supposed to last approximately 15 years,” reports Attorney David Ennis.  

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-....  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.  Ennis & Ennis, P.A. concentrates its practice in mass torts and represents individuals against pharmaceutical companies worldwide as well as 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, Depakote, Reglan, SJS/Dilantin, Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella Birth Control Pills and Transvaginal Mesh Devices.

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