Orthopedic surgeons are keen to learn what type of revision surgery is best for patients who are suffering injuries caused by defective metal-on-metal hip replacements. Many metal-on-metal hip implants have been recalled due to the high number of complications patients and their doctors have reported to the FDA. In hip replacement lawsuits, patients have described a number of serious injuries, including:
- Pain and swelling;
- Bone fractures;
- Infection; and
- Heavy metal poisoning.
Dual Mobility Revision Surgery Appears to Result in Fewer Complications for Patients Suffering Injuries from Defective Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements
For many patients, failed metal-on-metal hip implants require revision surgery in which a surgeon removes and replaces the defective hip system. The procedure is long, difficult, painful and often carries additional risks for the patient.
Recently in Dallas, surgeons attending the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting reportedly considered the results from a study of revision surgeries in which the metal cup from the old hip system was left in place and a new dual mobility polyethylene bearing was used to replace the failed metal bearing. In his presentation, Dr. Clint J. Wooten described investigators’ review of data concerning 34 patients who underwent the dual mobility revision surgery between January 2012 and December 2014. Complications experienced by these patients were compared to those of 114 patients who were treated with formal acetabular revision.
The early complications studied included infection, instability, aseptic loosening and issues with the surgical wound. For patients receiving the dual mobility revision, the early complication rate was three percent. The only complication was one instance of instability that required formal acetabular revision.
By contrast, for patients who underwent the formal acetabular revision, 20 percent experienced early complications. Twenty-eight patients experienced a number of difficulties, including the following:
- Deep infection;
- Acetabular fracture;
- Dislocation;
- Hematoma; and
- Delayed wound healing.
The results for dual mobility revision were plainly encouraging. But Dr. Wooten cautioned that longer follow-up would be needed to measure the true success of the procedure.
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 at 800.226.9880 to speak with one of our medical device lawyers, 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.
