Smith & Nephew Hip Replacement Lawsuit
S&N Recalls Birmingham, REDAPT, & R3 Acetabular System Hip Devices
Smith & Nephew, issued voluntary recalls for several of its faulty hip replacement systems. The R3 Acetabular System was recalled worldwide in 2012 because of reports of device failure, pain, metal sensitivity and other complications. In June of 2015, Smith & Nephew released a statement saying that it was issuing a recall of the smaller sized components of its Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System. The company discovered that patients who were implanted with these smaller sized systems had revision rates that exceeded certain benchmarks. Based on this, Smith & Nephew considered these patients to be at a higher risk of revision surgery and removed these products from the market. In late 2016, the company issued a recall on its Modular REDAPT Hip Systems “due to a higher than anticipated complaint and adverse event trend” with the design of the device. While it has not been recalled, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also received numerous adverse event reports concerning Smith & Nephew’s Emperion Modular Hip System. These reports include patients suffering fractures of their hip implants and needing painful revision surgeries.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Side Effects
It has been reported that metal-on-metal hip replacements have the highest failure rate and fail at a rate of over 10%; meaning that many patients will need to endure costly and painful revision surgery.
In addition to device failure, metal-on-metal hip replacements can causes metal ions to enter into bloodstream and create a condition called metallosis. Because these devices are made from a blend of several different metals, they can release metal particles into the blood stream and surrounding tissue when the metal parts rub against each other. A buildup of this type of metal in the body can be toxic, leading to serious complications affecting the nervous system, skin and other organs. Symptoms of metallosis can include:
- General hypersensitivity reaction (skin rash)
- Neurological changes including sensory changes (auditory, or visual impairments)
- Psychological status change (including depression or cognitive impairment)
- Renal function impairment
- Thyroid dysfunction (including neck discomfort, fatigue, weight gain or feeling cold)
Other people have experienced pain, swelling, and joint dislocation. If you have a metal-on-metal hip implant and have experienced any of the side effects mentioned above or below, please call our firm:
- Implant Failure
- Revision Surgery
- Elevated levels of cobalt and/or chromium in the blood
- Diagnosis of metallosis
- Loosening of the device
AFFECTED BY A SMITH & NEPHEW HIP?
Smith & Nephew Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Models
- Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular (2012 recall)
- Smith & Nephew Birmingham (2015 recall)
- Smith & Nephew Emperion
- Smith & Nephew REDAPT (2016 recall)
Are You Eligible for a Smith & Nephew Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuit?
The Feeney Law Firm is committed to seeking justice for those affected by metal hip replacements. Fighting to keep people safe from corporate greed and self-interest is our passion. We are here to help make that process as simple as possible for you and your family. Call us now at 1-800-710-3121 for a FREE consultation. Don’t wait; your time to file a metal hip replacement lawsuit may be limited.