Biomet Hip Replacement Recall Lawsuit

Biomet Hip Replacement Lawsuit

If you were implanted with the Biomet M2A-Magnum hip device—a metal-on-metal hip replacement system—and then experienced complications like premature loosening, hip pain, difficulty walking, or other issues, you may be eligible for a Biomet hip replacement lawsuit.

Several patients who were implanted with this device have complained of issues occurring long before they’re supposed to. Most hip replacements are supposed to last for 15 years or more, but many all-metal devices, like the Biomet M2A-Magnum, have been linked to early problems. A Biomet hip replacement lawyer is likely to claim that the company failed to perform adequate testing to be sure the implant was safe and effective before releasing it onto the market.

2001 Biomet Hip Replacement Recall

Back in 2001, the FDA announced that along with seven other companies, Biomet would be implementing a Biomet hip replacement recall. The component at issue was the zirconia ceramic femoral head—the ball part of the hip replacement device that fits into the hip socket. The component had been linked to high fracture rates in some patients within 13 to 27 months after implantation. Such fractures were forcing some patients to have to go through revision surgery.

Other companies that used the same zirconia ceramic femoral head and were also involved in the Biomet hip replacement recall included Apex Surgical LLC, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Encore Orthopedics Inc., Osteoimplant Technology Inc., Smith & Nephew Inc., Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, and Zimmer Inc.

Changes made in the manufacturing process involving the ceramic head’s heating process seemed to be implicated in the increased tendency for the component to fracture. Symptoms of failure that led to the Biomet hip replacement recall included hip pain, a grinding sensation in the hip area, and an audible popping sound.

Metal-on-Metal Problems May Lead To A Biomet Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Recently, patients implanted with the Biomet M2A-Magnum have sought the advice of a Biomet hip replacement lawyer and filed a Biomet hip replacement lawsuit. In addition to problems with the old ceramic femoral head, patients are now complaining of complications with the metal femoral head.

Like other all-metal hip implants, the Biomet M2A implant carries the potential of depositing tiny shards of cobalt and chromium into neighboring tissues. During normal wear and tear, as the metal components rub against one another, these shards can migrate into tissues and into the bloodstream, causing a number of symptoms. These may include pain, swelling, rash, inflammation, difficulty walking, and inside the hip, tissue death. These symptoms may indicate hip implant loosening, fracture, dislocation, and/or nerve damage.

Reports Of Biomet Complications Increasing

Over the past two years, the number of adverse event reports to the FDA concerning the Biomet hip implant increased from 11 in 2009 to 80 in 2011. These reports included problems like loosening, metal toxicity, chronic pain, bone loss, and popping or squeaking noises.

In 2011, the Australian National Joint Registry reported that patients implanted with the Biomet M2A had a yearly revision rate of 7.2 percent—much higher than typical metal-on-polyethylene hip replacement devices. In addition, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal noted that metal-on-metal implants, on the whole, were associated with higher rates of revision surgery.

A Biomet Hip Replacement Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from complications related to Biomet hip implants, you may be eligible for a Biomet hip replacement lawsuit. A Biomet hip replacement lawyer at Chaffin Luhana LLP can help explain your rights to you and will guide you through the often complicated legal system with the goal of winning compensation. Call today for a free and confidential case evaluation at 1-888-316-2311.