Johnson & Johnson Hip Implant Lawsuits
Hip implants are a common type of surgical procedure for patients who are experiencing pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. While this procedure can help them return to an active lifestyle, adverse reactions can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Recent jury awards in product liability lawsuits against a leading maker of metal on metal hip implants have opened the door for more patients to come forward and seek damages for injuries suffered as the result of defects in these devices.
Hip Implant Adverse Reactions
Hip implants feature a ball and a socket designed to simulate natural movement, and there are several materials typically used in making these devices. Either the ball or the socket may be metal, plastic, or ceramic. The type of material used depends on patient factors, such as age, weight, and activity level. Any artificial hip implant carries a risk of adverse effects, but patients with metal on metal (MoM) devices face additional health concerns.
In MoM implants, the metal ball and cup slide against each other with movement, such as when the patient walks or runs. This sliding action can cause metal debris to be released within the patient’s bloodstream, leading to the following dangerous conditions:
- Skin rashes and hypersensitivity
- Irregular heartbeat
- Neurological changes in the brain
- Psychological changes and mood disorders
- Impairment in renal function
- Thyroid problems, including weight gain, excessive fatigue, and neck pain
The FDA advises that patients with MoM devices be closely monitored by their orthopedic surgeon, and that any new health provider they see should be advised that the implant is in place.
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Johnson & Johnson Hip Implant Lawsuits
While MoM implants were originally hailed as the latest advancement in medical technology, defects in the medical devices and patient adverse effects have led to increasing legal action. A December 2016 Consumer Reports news release on hip implant lawsuits states that a federal Texas jury recently awarded $1 billion in damages to be spread among six patients injured due to defects in MoM hip implants manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. The DePuy implant was first recalled in August 2010, and while the company made improvements and a newer device was issued, health problems have continued to plague consumers.
The verdict is only the first of what will likely be thousands of cases around the country, filed by patients who suffered adverse effects. Symptoms that hip implant patients should be alert for and report to their doctor include the following:
- Constant pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Vision problems
- Loss of hearing or ringing in the ears
Get Help Today
If you or someone you know has experienced adverse effects due to a hip implant or artificial joint replacement surgery, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today. Our experienced product liability attorneys can advise you on how to hold responsible manufacturers accountable for the injuries you have suffered and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
