GoldenbergLaw, PLLC is currently investigating and pursuing defective metal on metal (MoM) hip device cases. If you believe that you or a loved one has received a device performing below industry standards, you may be entitled to compensation. Some hip devices we are currently investigating include:

• DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System
• DePuy Pinnacle Acetabular System
• Zimmer Durom Cup
• Biomet Magnum/M2a
• Wright Medical Hips

Please contact GoldenbergLaw, PLLC as soon as possible if you wish to have your claim evaluated.

Metal on Metal Hip Devices

When they were first introduced, metal-on-metal devices initially promised greater stability and longevity than traditional implants. The FDA regarded the implants as durable and of minimal risk to the patient. However, medical professionals are questioning their safety, as many people are suffering from adverse side effects like metallosis.

According to The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, The Hip Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all recipients of a metal-on-metal hip device could potentially be at some level of risk. They estimate that about 40,000 MoM hip replacements were performed in the United States during a twelve-month period from 2005 to 2006. This number equates to roughly 32% of all hip replacements performed during that timeframe. They note that they believe usage has declined since that time period.

Many professionals are now cautioning against the use of metal-on-metal implants. The FDA has issued a statement warning that the problems associated with the DePuy ASR may affect all MoM implants. According to The Journal of Arthroplasty, doctors should use MoM devices with "great caution, if at all" and that the Mayo Clinic has cut down their use of MoM implants by eighty percent.

When the metal hip components loosen, metallic ions are released at a high level into the patient's bloodstream. This problem has been associated with a number of very harmful reactions to the body.

In the United Kingdom, the MHRA issued a medical device alert for all MoM devices, recommending that all patients with MoM replacements have a physical examination and x-ray evaluation on a yearly basis for the first five years after their surgery. The UK was also one of the first regions to address the problems with the DePuy ASR- two years before it was addressed as a problem in the United States. They were able to identify the rate of failure earlier because they have a nation-wide tracking system for failed devices. The United States does not have a comparable tracking system.

The DePuy ASR recall has raised several questions in regards to the safety of metal-on-metal (MoM) implants, as well as exposed some flaws in the FDA approval process for medical devices. The FDA has responded by issuing a new order that requires all producers of metal-on-metal (MoM) hips to conduct studies evaluating the safety of their devices. The order for manufacturers to conduct these studies marks the broadest use of the FDA's authority to conduct studies of devices after approval for sale.

On May 6, 2011, letters were sent out to about 20 manufacturers on informing them of a new rule that will require them to conduct postmarket studies in cases where an implant's failure could have serious consequences. Among the recipients of the notices were large, well-known companies such as DePuy, Zimmer, Stryker, Biomet, and Wright Medical.

GoldenbergLaw, PLLC believes that these hip systems are flawed and dangerous. If you believe you or a loved one has received a metal on metal hip implant, please contact us by filling out our online contact form, or call our office for a complementary consultation.

We have been representing victims of defective devices nationwide for over 27 years and have the resources and expertise to hold manufacturers accountable.