Tag: Baltimore metal-on-metal hip replacement attorneys

Metal on Metal Hip Replacements Linked to Serious Neurological Side Effects

Posted on by YostLaw

A 2017 Health Watch study reported that elevated blood metal levels from metal-on-metal hip replacements are toxic to the brain. The findings of this research confirm an alarming and previously unknown risk of metal-on-metal hip replacements known as Arthroplasty Cobalt Encephalopathy (ACE).  This condition includes a number of serious neurological side effects, including mood swings, tremors, fatigue, balance issues, vision and hearing loss, as well as other cognitive problems.

Since the introduction of metal-on-metal hip implants to the marketplace, doctors and patients have discovered the harm they cause by increasing metal levels found in the human body. Most complications with metal hip implants are caused by high metal levels in a patient’s bloodstream, which doctors diagnose as metallosis. This condition occurs when the cobalt-chromium components of the hip implant grind together, breaking off metal fibers that are then released into the body. These metal fragments migrate through the bloodstream and reach the brain, causing ACE.

In general, doctors diagnose ACE by using blood tests and PET scans. However, diagnosing the link between a metal-on-metal hip replacement and cognitive decline associated with ACE can prove challenging. First, although the onset of neurological symptoms can be an early indicator of elevated metal levels in the blood, the diagnosis of ACE can be easily overlooked, as early neurological evaluations do not typically include a blood panel analysis. Moreover, even if blood tests are conducted as part of a neurological evaluation, studies show ACE presents in patients with levels below the range normally associated with a metallosis diagnosis.  Additionally, another difficulty in diagnosing ACE exists for older patients. Although not related to age, ACE symptoms such as memory loss and tremors can be too easily labeled as dementia. If an older metal-on-metal hip implant patient experiences ACE caused neurological changes, they may be overlooked and misdiagnosed as part of the aging process. As a result, the importance of monitoring blood metal levels in metal-on-metal hip replacement patients is absolutely critical.

Manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip replacements ignored the risks of introducing dangerous metal alloys into the human body. Because of these defective products, many individuals have experienced serious and harmful neurological side effects. Our product liability lawyers seek justice for people whose everyday lives have been affected by these unsafe medical devices. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a metal-on-metal hip implant, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE and confidential consultation, call the Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Hip System Recall

Posted on by YostLaw

Thousands of Americans receive hip replacements every year due to sports injuries, falls, aging and a host of other reasons. The goal of a hip replacement surgery is to return to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. There are many different hip replacement medical devices on the market, from plastic implants to metal on metal implants.

Over the past decade, there have been a number of recalls on many of the top, name brand, metal on metal hip implant devises. It is the FDA’s duty to be the guardhouse for safe products, but sometimes defective products are passed through the system due to inadequate testing, manipulated reporting and of course, from human error.

Stryker is letting patients know that they should undergo a hip revision surgery to replace their metal on metal hip device for another model. Stryker will cover the cost of the revision surgery, but there is more to having a revision surgery then the procedure alone. There is prep time, the surgery itself, the recovery time and the hopes that the revision surgery will go well and not create any further medical problems.

Unfortunately, sometimes, medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs get fast tracked through the system, meaning the FDA approves them for market use, before enough research and testing has been conducted.

This is what happened with many metal on metal hip implant devices. The FDA approved them all, but as they were used, more and more adverse reaction reports were being sent to the FDA, so an investigation began. Usually this takes years for a medical device or prescription drug to be recalled off the market. And while the FDA waits, innocent patients continue to be harmed.

Over two years ago, on July 6, 2012 Stryker issued a voluntary recall of its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems due to the increased potential for neck-body dissociation and increasing amounts of metal debris generated and deposited by the device.

Long-term toxicity of metal particles is not well known, but doctors have expressed concerns about metal exposure and there are numerous reports showing significant effects on organs. Metal toxicity has been linked to serious illnesses and is a very real concern for patients.

The modular interface of the Rejuvenate and ABG II creates corrosion, causing an inflammatory response, which results in a local reaction, such as metallosis, eventually affecting the entire body. Many patients have suffered a range of adverse reactions, such as:

  • Osteolysis (bone dissolution)
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane)
  • Pseudo-tumors
  • Fluid in the joint
  • Tissue and bone necrosis
  • Hypersensitivity to metal

Adverse reactions that affect the entire body include:

  • Decreased total lymphocyte cells, which defends against tumors and virally infected cells
  • Decreased CD8+T cells, which fight intracellular pathogens and malignancies
  • DNA changes
  • Chromosomal aberrations

If you have a Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABG II implant and require a revision surgery call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529). We’ll speak with you for free to discuss your situation and help you to understand your rights.

If we take your case we will do so on a no win/no fee or expense basis only. That means you do not pay a fee or expense unless you recover.

Call now for a free confidential consultation.

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