Biomet Hip Replacement and Recall Lawsuit
The Biomet M2a-38 and the M2a-Magnum are metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. In recent years, lawsuits have been filed by thousands of patients across the United States after complications, injuries, and illnesses were caused by defective Biomet implants. The metal-on-metal design was defective from the start, creating a serious risk of complications. Because of the number of problems experienced by patients, the FDA stepped in to increase oversight over metal-on-metal hip implants, and, to date, no metal-on-metal hip implant has been approved by the FDA. Evidence suggests that Zimmer Biomet knew about the risks and disregarded them even while the devices were being sold.
If you or someone you care about has suffered illness or injury due to a defective metal hip replacement device, the dedicated medical device defect attorneys at Morris Law Firm are here to help. We zealously fight for the health, the finances, and the future of our clients. If your family has been hurt because of a medical device defect, we’re ready to help.
Dangers of the Biomet Hip Replacement Device
The Biomet hip replacement devices were defective from the time they were originally designed. Biomet’s M2a devices have a metal-on-metal design, utilizing a metal ball interacting with a metal cup. The original idea ostensibly was for the body’s natural fluids to provide sufficient lubrication between the cup and ball.
In practice, the various metal parts rub and grind against one another over time as the hip joint is utilized. The grinding and scraping lead to the release of small metal flakes into the hip cavity, the surrounding tissue, and the bloodstream. The metal can build up over time, destroying muscle, bone, and other tissue surrounding the hip implant and causing additional problems by spreading into the bloodstream.
The devices were meant to last longer than previous plastic devices but, instead, they started causing problems much more quickly. Patients have suffered many debilitating and harmful conditions as a result of the metal flakes spreading, requiring extensive treatments to remove or replace the implants and treat other resulting conditions.
If you have or have had a Biomet hip implant installed, you should see a doctor immediately. You may need a blood test, an MRI, or other diagnostics to determine if you suffer any of the possible side effects. Talk to a seasoned medical device defect lawyer to find out the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Conditions Caused by Defective Biomet Hip Implants
The Biomet metal-on-metal hip implant devices have been linked to several problems. The hip implants are prone to dislodging and failure, which can be painful, debilitating, and require invasive surgery to remove or replace. Additionally, the exposure of cobalt, chromium, and other metals into the bone, tissue, and bloodstream can lead to a host of complications. Excess levels of metal ions in the blood can lead to metal poisoning, metallosis, chromium toxicity, and cobalt poisoning.
Metal poisoning caused by high cobalt or chromium levels can lead to a number of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Damage to the optic nerve, including blindness
- Convulsions and seizures
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Skin rash and skin sensitivity
- Weakness and other mobility problems
- Chronic pain
- Burning sensation
- Headaches
- Tinnitus
- Growth of pseudotumors
If you have any of the symptoms or conditions noted above, it’s imperative to get to a doctor as soon as you can. An experienced medical device defect lawyer can help ensure that you get compensated for all of your medical costs. You do not have to foot the bill alone; we can help.
Call Morris Law Firm for Help Pursuing a Biomet Defective Hip Implant Claim
If you have suffered a personal injury or illness, or if you’ve experienced any adverse effects as a result of a Biomet metal-on-metal hip replacement or another faulty medical device, contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options. We serve clients nationwide and offer free consultations with no obligation. Morris Law Firm will fight on your behalf to see that justice is served.
