Hip Replacement Case Evaluation

Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Risks and Injuries

Smith & Nephew had two metal-on-metal hip implant devices approved by the FDA in 2006, the R3 liner (R3) and Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System. The R3 liner was FDA approved for use with the BHR system but not for total hip replacements. In 2001, Depuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, introduced the Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System to the market and in December 2005 their ASR XL Acetabular system became commercially available in the U.S. All of these devices are composed of metal and both have been associated with severe complications in patients including metallosis (high concentrations of cobalt and chromium metal ions in the blood), the development of pseudotumors (large masses formed in reaction to metal debris lodged in tissue), adverse local tissue reaction (including infection, swelling, death of healthy tissue), osteolysis (bone loss from inflammation due to an adverse reaction to metal fragments) and nervous system disorders including visual and auditory impairment. The R3 and BHR Smith & Nephew devices and DePuy’s ASR and Pinnacle systems have extremely high failure rates. Both of Smith & Nephew’s devices have been recall and the ASR system has been recalled by DePuy due to these failure rates and complications. DePuy’s ASR system was recalled in August 2010, the R3 Liner was recalled in June 2012 and the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System was recalled in September 2015.

Injury risks associated with Smith & Nephew R3 and BHR Metal-on-Metal hip implants:

It is highly documented that Smith & Nephew R3 liners (R3) and their Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System and DePuy’s ASR and Pinnacle systems have resulted in higher than expected failure rates, particularly in women. Because the components used in all these systems are composed of metal, the friction caused by them sliding against each other during everyday movement releases toxic metal debris and metal ions into the body. This can cause both metal toxicity and the hip implant to fail. Complications of metal toxicity are as follows:

• Metallosis – A form of metal poisoning developing after there is an excessive build-up of metal particles in the soft tissue surrounding the hip implant or when metal ions of cobalt and chromium enter the bloodstream.
• Adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) – Adverse reaction in the tissue and bone at the implant site from elevated cobalt and chromium metal ions being released into the tissue and/or bloodstream. Adverse reactions can include fluid accumulation, infection, bone loss and/or bone fracture and the death of healthy tissue. This condition is cited as one of the most common metal related complications following metal-on-metal hip replacement surgery.
• Metal-on-Metal pseudotumour – A severe complication that occurs when a solid mass forms in the surgical area from a tissue reaction to the metal in the hip implant device. This condition is typically seen in individuals with elevated metal ion levels.
• Bone Loss (also referred to as osteolysis) – Can occur when loose metal particles from the implant activates the immune system. This causes an inflammatory response which in turn can lead to bone loss and other severe complications.
• Nervous System Disorders – High blood level concentrations of cobalt and chromium can affect brain structure and function, contribute to depression and memory loss and lead to other neurological complications including auditory and visual impairment.

These complications frequently require hip revision surgery, or the entire replacement of the metal-on-metal hip with a different type of material such as ceramic and titanium.

Smith & Nephew knew about the risks and complications associated with their metal-on-metal BHR system but did not inform patients or doctors about these risks or recall the product until 2015. S&N’s negligence caused numerous hip replacement patients to suffer from severe and painful complications related to their general health as well as the hip replacement surgery. As a result, they had to endure further extensive corrective surgical procedures to regain health and mobility.

DePuy had their ASR system voluntarily recalled in August of 2010 due to an abnormally high device failure rate and complications that resulted from the device’s metal-on-metal components. Despite the recall of their ASR system, the company continues to sell the metal-on-metal components in their Pinnacle line resulting in thousands of outstanding claims against the company.

If you or a loved one have experienced injuries or complications following a total hip replacement or hip resurfacing surgery involving a metal-on-metal hip implant device, we would like to speak with you. Please fill out the above form so you can protect your rights and we can learn more about your potential case.

The Gori Law Firm Mass Torts Team

At The Gori Law Firm, we have over 35 attorneys across 8 offices who have the complex litigation knowledge that is necessary to pursue your case. With a national reputation for excellence, you can rest assured that your case will be handled professionally, efficiently and effectively. With two locations in the St. Louis area, and several others throughout the U.S., our law firm handles cases nationwide.

Our lawyers are particularly compassionate and supportive to our clients throughout the process. As seasoned personal injury attorneys with a nationwide reputation, we have more than 20 years of experience in handling complex lawsuits and will use our knowledge for your case. The Gori Law Firm has obtained more than $3 billion in settlements for previous clients.

To best serve you, it is important to share with us certain information that will help us preliminarily evaluate your potential case by filling out the form at the top of the page. This information that you provide will be personally reviewed by the head of the mass torts group Attorney D. Todd Matthews and Attorney Megan Arvola to determine if our firm may be able to assist you with your case.

Attorney D. Todd Matthews is the leader of the The Gori Law Firm mass torts group. Mr. Matthews is a member of National Trial Lawyers Association, Madison County Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Committee, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, Member, American Association for Justice, American Association for Justice Leaders Forum, National Asbestos Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Additionally, he has served on numerous Mass Tort committees in the past and as lead counsel on the Granuflo Litigation in St. Louis City.

Attorney Megan Arvola works under Attorney Matthews on behalf of our injured plaintiffs in mass tort and personal injury litigation. Ms. Arvola comes to The Gori Law Firm, from the chambers of Chief Judge David R. Herndon of the Southern District of Illinois, where she served as a term judicial law clerk for three years. Prior to her federal clerkship, Ms. Arvola graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law. In 2011, Ms. Arvola received a Burton Award for Legal Achievement, Distinguished Writing Award, in association with the Library of Congress.

Holding Irresponsible Product Manufacturers, Irresponsible Drug and Medical Device Makers Accountable

Trust. It is extremely important when it comes to consumer products, medicine and medical procedures. You trust that manufacturers have made products that meet guidelines they claim their products meet. You trust that the medicine or medical device your doctors use when treating you will make you better, not worse. As a patient, you put your trust in the companies that design and manufacture these defective drugs and devices. If you believe you have suffered serious injuries because of a defective product, dangerous drug or defective medical device/implant, you need to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Whether you live in Madison County, Illinois, the St. Louis area or anywhere in the U.S., we can help. In fact, we have a national reputation for excellence, experienced attorneys and personal service, all on a contingent fee basis, which means that we only collect fees if we recover damages for you.

Our Locations