Trunnionosis—Once Again, Proof That Metal and Hips Don’t Mix
Thirty years ago, trunnionosis surfaced as a diagnosis to characterize corrosion and wear occurring in hip replacements at the head-neck interface that connects with the thigh bone (femur). Historically, orthopedic surgeons often found corrosion or wear associated with hip implant failures in the area of the hip bone (acetabulum), but not the femur. More recently, however, doctors are frequently finding hip failures resulting from trunnionosis occurring at the femoral head-neck junction of the device. Statistics confirm the rise of trunnionosis as a diagnosis in cases of hip implant failures.
Studies suggest that the recent increased findings of trunnionosis in hip implant failures result from the metal materials used in newer hip replacement devices. Next generation metal hip products like the Zimmer M/L Taper femoral stem and the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head are contributing to the rise in trunnionosis found in patients. This usually leads to a painful hip revision surgery. These artificial hip systems consist of a stem attached to a round head that mimics the body’s natural cup system, which allows leg movement.
Similar to earlier developed metal-on metal-hip implant systems, toxic metals released from the corrosion and wear caused by products like the Zimmer M/L Taper and Stryker LFIT V40 lead to adverse metal reactions, such as metallosis and pseudotumors. Metallosis causes a variety of medical complications, including bone and tissue damage. Pseudotumors result from the body’s attempts to repair the area around the device, creating a buildup of fluid in the pelvic cavity. Both constitute classic diagnostic signs of a hip implant failure caused by metal-on-metal wear or corrosion. In almost all cases, this necessitates a painful and expensive hip revision surgery, followed by a long period of recovery.
Sadly, the familiar story of defective metal-on-metal hip replacement devices now surfaces again with newer products like the Zimmer M/L Taper and the Stryker LFIT V40. These manufacturers have refused to learn from their past mistakes with older metal-on-metal hip replacement systems and must be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered from the harmful side effects of metal hip implant products, the defective hip attorneys at the Yost Legal Group can investigate your case and help you obtain the justice you deserve. For a free consultation, please call us at 1-800-YOSTLAW.