Chromium Poisoning Lawyer in Los Angeles
Chromium poisoning is a serious side effect associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements. For years, metal-on-metal hip replacements were a popular choice for orthopedic procedures. Manufacturers asserted that the metal products were more sturdy and long-lasting than their plastic counterparts. In recent years, numerous health conditions have been connected to metal-on-metal hip implants, including cobalt poisoning, chromium poisoning, metallosis, and others. Many patients with metal hip implants must undergo invasive, painful, and costly medical procedures to remove and replace their implants.
If you or someone you care about has a metal-on-metal hip implant, be on the lookout for signs that you may be infected with chromium poisoning. Make sure to get regular checkups and blood tests to check for excess chromium ion levels and negative side effects. If you believe that you or someone you care about is experiencing negative consequences from a metal-on-metal hip replacement, the dedicated medical device defect attorneys at Morris Law Firm are ready to help. We will fight to ensure that you and your family get the compensation you are owed.
What is Chromium Poisoning?
Chromium poisoning is a form of tissue destruction caused by elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in the body’s blood and tissue. Medical research has shown that metal-on-metal hip replacements corrode over time, releasing metal ions into the blood and tissue surrounding the implant. The corrosion is made worse by the grinding of the separate metal parts of the hip implant as the patient walks and moves over time.
The increase of metal ions in the patient’s system can lead to complications including tissue and bone death, organ damage, and failure of the implant over time. Patients with metal-on-metal implants can obtain blood tests to identify the level of chromium in their blood. Slightly elevated levels of chromium and cobalt are normal for patients with metal-on-metal implants and might not be harmful, but significantly higher levels than normal are alarming and dangerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, “blood serum concentrations greater than 1ng/mL in a patient with [chromium-based] implant suggest significant prosthesis wear.” The levels are likely to increase the longer the patient has the implant.
Risks of Chromium Poisoning
Chromium poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly condition. It carries a number of symptoms and side effects that can worsen over time, causing permanent damage if left untreated. Patients with metal-on-metal implants must be on the lookout for symptoms and side effects of chromium or other metal poisoning including:
- Swelling
- Sensitivity
- Groin pain
- Numbness
- Skin rash and skin sensitivity
- Reproductive system issues
- Bone loss and tissue death around the implant
- Difficulty walking or otherwise moving the hip joint
- Elevated risk of cancer
- Thyroid problems
- Nervous system issues
It is vital for anyone with a metal-on-metal hip implant to get periodic blood tests. Research indicates that patients can still have metal poisoning even without symptoms. This blood poisoning can become worse over time and suddenly appear with devastating consequences. Often, patients will experience problems with their skin, heart, nervous system, or thyroid before noticing any local symptoms around the implant.
If you have any reason to suspect that you or someone you care about has chromium poisoning or another form of metallosis or metal poisoning, see a doctor immediately. Contact a knowledgeable metal hip implant injury lawyer for assistance investigating your case and obtaining compensation for your injury or illness.
Morris Law Firm Will Help You Recover for Your Chromium Poisoning Injury
If you or someone you love has been infected with chromium poisoning due to a metal-on-metal hip implant, or if you have been injured by another faulty medical device, contact our dedicated medical device defect attorneys to discuss your legal options. We serve clients nationwide and offer free consultations with no obligation. The passionate personal injury legal team at Morris Law Firm will fight to get you the justice you deserve.
