Metal Hip Replacements: Side Effects, Injuries and Recalls

Metal hip replacements were initially developed to be more durable than plastic or ceramic options, but other issues have surfaced. High failure rates, serious side effects from metal debris in the body, and complications such as cobalt toxicity have caused widespread harm to patients. These issues have prompted recalls, lawsuits, and action by government regulatory agencies.

As of May 2016, no metal-on-metal total hip replacement devices have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing in the U.S. This has effectively removed them from the market, although two FDA-approved metal-on-metal hip resurfacing devices are still available.

This article provides an overview of cobalt poisoning and other metal hip replacement side effects. You’ll also learn about product recalls and lawsuits related to these implants.

If you are experiencing symptoms of metallosis or other health issues due to a metal-on-metal hip joint replacement, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal rights if you’ve been injured by a medical device. Discuss your options with a product liability attorney near you today.

What Is a Metal Hip Replacement?

Manufacturers first designed metal hip replacements to improve upon plastic and ceramic hip prostheses. The hip joint is commonly called a”ball and socket”joint. As a person moves their legs, the femoral head (ball) at the top of the femur (thigh bone) grinds against the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis.

The hip joint necessarily involves significant friction between the femoral head and the acetabulum. Patients whose hip joints become diseased or damaged by osteoarthritis  or strenuous physical activity can develop hip pain and mobility problems. Many turn to hip replacement surgery as a solution.

Metal hip implants were once the wave of the future. While most patients who choose hip replacement surgery are over the age of 50, the promise of longer-lasting replacement hips proved attractive to younger patients as well.

The resulting boom in hip replacement surgery has made it one of the most common surgical procedures. In the United States, orthopedic surgeons perform an estimated 544,000 hip replacement surgeries each year.

Patient Injuries: Implant Failure, Metallosis, and Cobalt Toxicity

Unfortunately, metal hip replacements have high failure rates and can cause serious health complications. Many patients have suffered serious complications from metal hip replacements. Some of the more common problems include implant failure and metallosis (metal poisoning), including cobalt toxicity. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Implant Failure

Most patients who received a defective metal hip replacement will likely require hip revision surgery. Hip joints naturally involve considerable friction, which can cause components to wear and eventually break. During hip revision, the metal hip is removed and replaced with a safer model. Revision surgery carries its own risks, including possible infection and nerve damage.

Hip revision patients must also undergo an additional period of rest and recuperation after surgery. That may require patients to take time off work, undergo physical therapy, and incur expenses not covered by medical insurance.

Cobalt Toxicity

Many metal hip replacements were constructed using a hard metal called cobalt in order to extend the life of the hip replacement. As hip replacements fail and metal flakes enter the body, patients can suffer from cobalt toxicity (elevated cobalt levels).

Besides the symptoms associated with other forms of metallosis, cobalt toxicity can cause patients to suffer from fever, inflammation, and low thyroid levels. Some patients have also reported:

• Heart failure
• Loss of vision
• Loss of hearing
• Tinnitus
• Neurological changes
• Organ damage

If you have a metal hip replacement and suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to you doctor sooner rather than later.

Metallosis

Failing metal hip replacements can also lead to metallosis, or metal poisoning. When metal grinds on metal, flakes can rub off the hip replacement implant and seep into a patient’s body. The result can be a build-up of metal debris in nearby tissue and in the bloodstream.

If left untreated, patients can experience:

• Pain around the hip joint
• Swelling and inflammation
• Numbness
• Bone loss
• Adverse tissue reaction and tissue death
• Renewed mobility problems
• Cognitive and circulatory issues
• Thyroid dysfunction

These metal flakes can also travel to nearby organs such as the heart, leading to further complications like cardiomyopathy and heart disease.

How To Detect Complications From Metal Hip Implants

Patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements should undergo regular testing for metallosis or cobalt toxicity. The most common testing methods include blood tests and imaging scans.

Blood Tests

Healthcare providers can measure cobalt and chromium levels in the bloodstream. Elevated metal ion levels may indicate that the implant is deteriorating and releasing debris into the body. These tests are especially important for patients experiencing symptoms like fatigue, hearing or vision changes, or joint pain.

Imaging Scans

Advanced imaging scans can help detect tissue damage, fluid buildup, or pseudotumors around the implant. A provider may use:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT scans)
• Ultrasound

These scans are useful even when blood tests are inconclusive.

Patients with high-risk implants or symptoms should undergo regular testing. Consult with your doctor to see how often is recommended.

Metal Hip Replacement Recalls

A recall is when a product is removed from the market due to a potentially harmful defect. Several medical device manufacturers have recalled their metal hip replacements due to durability issues or inadequate use instructions. Metal-on-metal hip system brands associated with a recall include:

• DePuy ASR TM XL Acetabular System
• Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component
• Smith & Nephew R3 Metal Liners of the R3 Acetabular System
• Johnson & Johnson Adept Hip System (sold outside the U.S.)
• Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II modular neck hip systems

The FDA recalled three metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. Many others were recalled voluntarily by the medical device manufacturers. Several manufacturers discontinued their metal hip replacements instead of issuing a recall. Although not all models of metal hip implants have been recalled, metal hips are generally regarded as having serious safety and durability issues.

As a result, even patients whose metal hips weren’t part of a hip replacement recall should have their implants tested periodically to avoid complications.

Metal Hip Lawsuits

Most manufacturers no longer sell metal hip replacements. Widespread patient injuries led to increased regulatory focus, numerous medical studies, and negative publicity. In addition, thousands of patients have filed product liability lawsuits against manufacturers seeking compensation for their injuries.

Under product liability laws, manufacturers and sellers have a duty to ensure their products are free from any defects that may harm consumers. Most of these lawsuits contend that metal hips were defectively designed and carried inadequate warnings.

If the suits are successful, the patients may receive damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Some manufacturers have agreed to settle these hip replacement lawsuits. Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of DePuy Orthopedics, agreed to settle some 8,000 lawsuits for an estimated $2.5 billion. Lawsuits against other manufacturers are ongoing.

Hip Replacement Recall and Injury Issues? Contact an Attorney

Manufacturers may be legally responsible for defective designs that cause conditions like cobalt toxicity or metallosis. If you or an aging family member’s day-to-day life is affected by these conditions, you may have a legal claim.

An attorney near you today can help with your specific situation and determine the best way to proceed. If you’ve suffered from illnesses related to a metal-on-metal implant, you may be eligible for monetary compensation, either by joining a settlement or filing a new products liability lawsuit. 

Even if you haven’t experienced symptoms of illness, you may be eligible for a new replacement in addition to other damages. Consulting with your doctor and, if necessary, an attorney, can prevent an unfortunate outcome.