Another Hip Replacement Recall Announced By Manufacturer

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 8, 2012

Smith & Nephew PLC, a British company that manufactures a metal hip socket liner for hip implants, has announced that it is recalling liners used with its R3 Acetabular System hip device. The liner became available in 2009 and has been implanted in around 7,700 patients in Great Britain. This voluntary recall came after clinical trials with the device showed a higher rate of failure than previously thought. Smith & Nephew reported that they are “not satisfied with the clinical results” after many recipients of the device required corrective surgery to remove the liner on their hip replacement implant due to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

The recall is very similar to a much larger recall for defective hip implants here in the United States involving DePuy metal-on-metal implants. DePuy implants have a higher failure rate due to the disintegration of the metal. The movement of the metal ball in the metal socket of the implant causes metal fragments to migrate into surrounding tissues, resulting in debilitating pain and dangerous chronic conditions that threaten the lives of implant recipients. Smith & Nephew were very quick to distance themselves from the DePuy recall, saying there is no evidence that their product releases metallic debris in patients’ bodies. However, they have acknowledged that their liners have led to fractures, chronic infections and other serious health problems.

Responding to rising complaints and highly publicized serious health problems in connection with some hip replacement implants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly considering much tougher regulations on these devices. The FDA has scheduled a hearing to review the safety of metal-on-metal hip implants, failure rates, health complications and other concerns.

There are lots of people here in Central Florida who either have already had hip replacement surgery or are considering this surgical procedure to improve their mobility, independence and quality of life. Hip implant failures are a very serious problem, especially for the older recipients who comprise the majority of implant patients. When these devices fail, patients must endure debilitating pain and often experience severe health complications. Making matters worse, they must undergo another invasive surgery to remove the defective device and replace it with another implant, resulting in severe pain and many weeks and months of physical rehabilitation.

If you or someone you love has had a hip implant and is experiencing health problems, contact your doctor as soon as possible and schedule an appointment. If your health has been compromised by a defective hip implant and you would like to speak with a Florida hip implant attorney, contact James O. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004. He will protect your rights and explain your legal options so that you can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you and your family. He has law offices conveniently located throughout Central Florida. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.