According to the New York times, the all-metal devices comprise around one-third of all artificial hip implants, but a spate of lawsuits concerning the allegedly defective medical devices threatens their continued use. Widespread reports of premature failure, injury and other health problems have prompted DuPuy Orthopedics, a Johnson & Johnson company, to recall some of their devices and phase out production of all-metal implants entirely.

Lawsuits allege injury and early failure

Despite the industry's high hopes for all-metal hip implants, the devices often fail more quickly than older models due to the increased friction that occurs between the metal components as they rub together. In addition to wearing down more quickly, evidence suggests that the interaction of the metal components may also release metal particles into the body, potentially damaging bone, muscles and other tissues.

After widespread reports of early failure and thousands of lawsuits over the devices, Johnson & Johnson recalled an all-metal hip implant known as the Articular Surface Replacement, or ASR, in 2010. Stryker initiated a similar voluntary product recall of two of its metal on metal modular-neck stems. The company withdrew the ABG II and Rejuvenate stems after it was discovered that these devices were failing due to the release of metal particles through fretting and corrosion.

Faulty hip implants may cause other complications

Hip replacement, like any major surgery, can be a costly and painful ordeal even under the best conditions -- and when a defective medical device creates the need for additional surgical procedures, patients face a heightened risk of medical errors or other complications.

The risks associated with faulty hip implants are not limited to the additional surgeries required to replace the device, but can also involve a litany of other painful and potentially debilitating medical issues. Many recipients of all-metal hip implants have reported dislocation and fractures, as well as damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves and thyroid system thought to be caused by the shedding of metal particles from the implants.

These complications can not only increase the pain and discomfort of the original procedure, but they may also extend a patient's recovery time and diminish his or her ability to earn a living or perform common functions during day-to-day life. For information about the legal options and potential financial compensation that may be available to people affected by defective medical devices, contact a personal injury lawyer with a successful track record in medical injury litigation.

Article provided by Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. Visit us at www.weismanlaw.com