Problems Found With Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants Possibly Affecting Zimmer Hip Lawsuits

According to a new study about the Zimmer hip, a primary concern with metal-on-metal hip implants is the release of metal particles into surrounding tissues and the bloodstream. Friction when the metal components rub against one another are responsible for the release of such particles, which can cause metal poisoning, inflammation, and other medical complications.

Zimmer hip failure is another concern for metal-on-metal devices, which has fueled settlements of lawsuits. Despite growing metal hip litigation across the country, no recall has been issued by the FDA or the manufacturer.

According to this study, approximately 7,500 U.K. patients have had to undergo hip replacement revision surgery within a few years after their original metal-on-metal implant. Another study reported in 2011 indicated that the failure rate for metal-on-metal implants was somewhere around eight percent within five years, which is three times the revision rate of other types of hip implants.

Zimmer not cited specifically, but similar devices are

Although the current study did not specifically cite Zimmer hip implants, or call for a Zimmer hip recall, the type of device researched in this study is similar to Zimmer’s metal-on-metal devices. The FDA has also called for a closer look at these types of devices, in light of a growing base of research showing these metal-on-metal devices may not be the safest option.

A Zimmer hip lawyer could cite research like this to assert that metal-on-metal implants have a history of complications and risks, and that manufacturers of such devices are negligent in continuing to market their products to the medical community and general public.

Specific risks are found in a study with more risks possible

In the new study, it was found that metal-on-metal hip replacement devices are associated with very specific health risks, which could impact the future settlement process in litigation. The recent study identified health risks like inflammation and other potentially serious medical conditions in those who have been implanted with metal-on-metal hip implants.

The study was conducted by researchers from both the Imperial College London and Ohio State University and published in the Chemical Communications Journal. Researchers found that patients with metal-on-metal hip implants may have serious health problems like chronic inflammation and other complications.

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