Michigan Hip Replacement Injury Law Firm 

Patients suffering from complications related to a Michigan hip replacement surgery may be able to bring a legal claim against the manufacturer of the device. Defective hip implants can cause patients to develop severe medical conditions such as metallosis, pseudotumors, and chronic pain. If you or someone you love has developed these conditions following hip implant surgery, the Michigan hip replacement attorneys at Sommers Schwartz can help you understand your rights and file a claim for financial compensation.   

Defective hip implants can pose a serious risk to your long-term health. At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we represent patients and their family members in Michigan product liability claims against the manufacturers of these devices. As experienced defective implant attorneys, we know how to go after manufacturers that put profits ahead of people’s safety. 

Product Liability Statistics 

There are approximately 500,000 hip replacement surgeries each year in the United States.  

Between 2000 and 2010, the percentage of hip replacements in patients between 45 and 54 increased from 12 percent to 17 percent.  

About 2.5 million people in the United States, or about 0.83 percent of all Americans, have a hip replacement.  

Women more often require a hip replacement. Of the 2.5 million people who have undergone hip replacement surgery, 1.4 million were women, and 1.1 million were men.  

By the age of 80, over five percent of people will require a hip replacement.

The hip implant market was valued at $5.9 billion in 2019. Due to the forecasted increase in the number of patients needing hip replacements, this figure is expected to grow to $7.88 billion by 2026.  

Potential Complications of a Hip Replacement Surgery 

As with any medical procedure, patients undergoing hip replacement surgery may suffer from various complications. Common complications following a hip replacement surgery include: 

Some discomfort, pain, and physical limitations are normal after a hip replacement surgery. However, the following are symptoms that may indicate something went wrong with a Michigan hip replacement surgery: 

• Radiating pain throughout the hips, thighs, and lower back; 
• Pain in the leg or calf unrelated to the incision; 
• Sudden onset of chest pain or shortness of breath; 
• Chills or fever. 

However, if there was a problem with the hip implant itself, as opposed to the surgical technique, the signs of a problem may take longer to develop and may not be readily apparent. For example, the following can be signs or symptoms of a defective hip replacement implant: 

• Fluid collection in or around the hip joint
• Pseudotumors 
• Elevated metal ions 
• Acute or chronic pain in the hip, buttock, or thigh 

Over the past decade, there have been several major recalls of various hip implants. These defective medical devices can cause serious, lifelong medical conditions and may require removal and replacement of the original device. However, it may not be readily apparent to a patient which type of implant they have.  

Stryker Rejuvenate, ABG II, and LFIT V40 Hip Implant Recalls 

Stryker is a medical device company responsible for making a variety of hip implants. The company recalled several models in recent years, including the Rejuvenate, ABG II, and LFIT V 40. Since the recalls, Stryker has paid more than $2 billion in confidential settlements to many patients and their families.   

The claimed defect in these models was a propensity to develop corrosion and fretting at the junction of the stem and the modular neck or at the junction of the neck and the metal head. Deterioration of the metal surfaces leads to the absorption of metal ions into the bloodstream and the development of adverse local tissue reactions and collections of fluid called pseudotumors.   

Many patients who received these Stryker products needed to have the implants removed and replaced, requiring another surgery. Revision surgery involves another hospitalization, general anesthesia, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, additional medical expenses, and the possibility of lifelong disability.

Patients forced to deal with a faulty hip replacement bear no responsibility for the defect and should consult with a dedicated Michigan hip replacement injury lawyer for immediate assistance.  

Concerns Surrounding Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants 

The Food and Drug Administration lists four approved types of total hip replacement implants. These include: 

• Metal-on-Polyethylene: The ball is made of metal, and the socket is made of plastic (or has a plastic lining). 
• Ceramic-on-Polyethylene: The ball is made of ceramic, and the socket is made of plastic (or has a plastic lining). 
• Ceramic-on-Ceramic: The ball is made of ceramic, and the socket has a ceramic lining. 
• Ceramic-on-Metal: The ball is made of ceramic, and the socket has a metal lining. 

Metal-on-Metal hip implants consist of a ball, stem, and shell, all made of metal. Metal-on-Metal hip implants were designed to last longer than other implants. Due to the larger ball used in these devices, they were intended to reduce instances of dislocation. However, in 2016, the FDA removed all Metal-on-Metal implants from its approved list of devices. In part, this was due to the danger of metallic ions entering the bloodstream and the high failure rate of these devices. 

According to the FDA, in Metal-on-Metal hip implants, “the metal ball and the metal cup slide against each other during walking or running, which can cause the release of metal particles. Metal can also be released from other parts of the implant where two implant components connect.” Over time, metal particles around the implant can cause damage to bone and tissue surrounding the implant.  

Patients with Metal-on-Metal hip implants are more likely to experience severe pain and face an increased risk of device failure. An experienced Michigan medical device injury lawyer can help patients understand their rights and help them prepare a case against the manufacturer.  

What Compensation Is Available Through a Hip Replacement Lawsuit? 

The amount of compensation a patient can recover from the manufacturer of a defective hip implant will vary, depending on several factors. Primarily, damages depend on the type of implant and the extent of the patient’s complications. For example, some patients require multiple surgeries that do little to improve their overall condition. Through a hip replacement lawsuit, patients can recover the costs of medical treatment needed due to the defective device and the impact that the otherwise unnecessary medical treatment had on their life. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any decrease in a patient’s earning capacity.  

A List of Recalled Hip Implants  

Over recent years, there have been dozens of hip implant recalls from several manufacturers. Below is a list of recalled hip implants, sorted by manufacturer: 

Biomet device recalls (now a part of Zimmer Biomet) 

• M2a 
• Mallory-Head 
• Taperloc 

Centerpulse hip device recalls (now a part of Zimmer Biomet) 

• Inter-Op 
• Orthadapt 

Corin Group device recalls 

• Cormet 2000 

Depuy Orthopedics device recalls (now a part of Johnson & Johnson)  

Encore Orthopedics device recalls  

• Foundation 
• Linear 
• Revelation 

Exactech device recalls 

• Opteon 

Smith & Nephew device recalls 

Stryker Orthopedics device recalls 

Wright Medical Technology device recalls 

• Conserve Plus 
• Dynasty 
• Metal Transcend 
• Perfecta 
• Profemur Z 

Zimmer Holdings device recalls 

• Durom Cop 
• Longevity 
• Mayo Hip 
• VerSys 

This list is growing, and patients who experienced problems with their hip implant should reach out to a Michigan medical device attorney to determine if their implant is on a current recall list.  

Consult With an Experienced Michigan Hip Replacement Attorney Today 

Sommers Schwartz has represented hundreds of patients injured by defective hip implants. The pain, suffering, and emotional and financial distress caused by these devices can be life changing. At Sommers Schwartz, we are proud to help injured patients secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered complications resulting from a defective hip replacement, you may be eligible for financial compensation. If you have questions about a hip replacement surgery, or are experiencing ongoing pain after such a surgery, and are wondering if a defective implant is responsible, contact one of the knowledgeable attorneys at Sommers Schwartz today.

“It is a fact: Sommers Schwartz has recovered more than $33 million for clients injured by defective hip implants made by Stryker (Rejuvenate and LFIT), DePuy (ASR and Pinnacle), Wright Medical Technologies, and Biomet.”