At a recent orthopedic conference in Orlando, Lawrence D. Dorr, M.D., of Los Angeles discussed signs doctors should watch for in their patients who have received metal-on-metal hip implants. The presence of certain symptoms could indicate that revision surgery is needed to remove the defective metal-on-metal hip and replace it with another implant. Thousands of Americans have suffered as a result of dangerous metal-on-metal hip systems, many of whom have filed metal-on-metal hip replacement lawsuits.
Surgeon Discusses Indications that Revision Surgery May Be Necessary for Patients With Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant
Indications that revision surgery may be required reportedly include the following, explained Dorr:
- X-ray with evidence of radiolucent lines circling the entire cup;
- loose cups as shown by x-ray or other signs;
- elevated metal-ion levels;
- persistent pain with any activity;
- soft tissue masses in the hip or groin;
- Cognitive changes, including loss of memory and reduced motor skills; and
- shortness of breath, which can be caused by cobalt poisoning.
When radiolucent lines can be seen around the entire cup on x-ray, the patient could experience progressive loosening and should be followed at a six-month interval.
When metal-cobalt levels are elevated, increased wear to the joint may be present, allowing osteolysis and bone destruction to occur.
A patient with increased shortness of breath should be seen by a heart specialist since cobalt poisoning frequently results in cardiac symptoms.
Even without other clinical symptoms, a patient with psychological changes may be a candidate for revision surgery.
Given the number of complications caused by metal-on-metal hip replacements, Dorr cautioned that in the future, surgeons should take more care before diving in withmedical devices that may be inadequately tested or have insufficient warnings of the risks involved.
Contact Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel to Learn More about Filing a Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit
Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a national plaintiffs’ law firm devoted to helping families in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving metal-on-metal hip implants manufactured by a number of companies, including Stryker, Zimmer, Biomet and DePuy. If you have suffered injuries or the death of a loved one associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements, contact us by email or call us at800.226.9880 to speak with one of our hip implant attorneys, like Sara Coopwood in the firm’s Texas office, and learn more about how we can assist you with a metal-on-metal hip replacement lawsuit or claim.
