DePuy Pinnacle Liability Attorney in Nebraska
Representing People with Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
Although DePuy Pinnacle hip implants have not been recalled yet by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been numerous complaints filed against them. Pinnacle devices have a higher rate of failure and can cause numerous medical conditions in those who receive them. Due to this high rate of failure, revision surgeries are quite common in order to repair the implant, treat secondary issues, or replace the implant completely.
If you or someone you know is facing a revision surgery or already had a revision due to a DePuy Pinnacle hip implant, call an Omaha product liability lawyer at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 to discuss your case. Our legal team will sit down with you and explain your options in a free consultation.
The DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant
The DePuy Pinnacle is a total hip replacement implant that consists of a metal stem inserted into a patient's femur, topped with a metal ball that then goes into a metal cup or shell that replaces the socket in the patient's hip. The metal-on-metal design of the Pinnacle is its major flaw, since research has shown that MoM hip implants tend to wear down and cause additional issues in patients. While hip implants are not designed to last for 30 years, metal-on-metal models like the DePuy Pinnacle fail much faster than those made from materials like plastic and ceramic.
What Has the FDA Done About It?
Although the DePuy Pinnacle has been reported as a faulty product to the FDA, they have so far taken little action. DePuy Orthopedics has refused to issue a recall on the implant, likely due to the costs involved. DePuy did recall their ASR model of hip implant after several costly lawsuits, but they continue to defend the Pinnacle. With any luck, additional legal action against DePuy will pressure them or the FDA into a recall. This step will keep new patients from getting these problematic implants.
Revision Surgery
Revision surgery is often required when a hip implant either fails or creates health issues that can only be treated with additional surgery. Most doctors try to avoid revision surgery whenever possible, or delay it as long as they can, because there are complications that can be difficult for patients. According to one study, at least 16% of DePuy Pinnacle implants have required revision surgery.
Issues that can require a revision include:
- Sudden hip pain
- Swelling or trouble moving
- Serious infections
- Loss of mobility
- Loosening of the implant
- Metal toxicity in the blood
Complications from Revision Surgery
While a revision can help with issues that arise due to a faulty hip implant, there are also complications that can arise due to the surgery. This is why doctors try to avoid revision surgery as much as possible, though implants like the DePuy Pinnacle can make revision a necessity much sooner than other implants. Common complications can include:
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness
- Infections
- Higher likelihood of implant migration or loosening
- Bone fractures during surgery
If You Have a Bad Implant, Call Bottlinger Law L.L.C.
Revision surgery due to a faulty hip implant is not only costly, but can have a serious impact on the health and well-being of a patient. As DePuy continues to defend its product, legal action seems to be the only way to get justice for those who suffer. If you or a loved one has had or needs revision surgery due to a DePuy Pinnacle implant, then call Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 right now.
Additional Information
- Who Should File a DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit?
- What Can Go Wrong With a Metal Hip Implant?
- A Short History of Hip Replacements
- Hip Implants Can Sometimes Harm, Not Help
- Implants and Prosthetics: Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants - FDA
- Medical Device Safety - FDA
- Concerns about Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants - FDA
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