Hip replacements have been lauded by many as one of the greatest medical advancements in modern times. Lately, however, hip implants have been in the news for their increased failure rates and serious complications that have led to major disabilities and even deaths.
For years, hip implants were used in elderly patients, offering them another chance at mobility that was previously not available. Now, they are being used on younger and more active patients. This need has prompted hip implant manufacturers to use stronger materials and edgier designs. Unfortunately, these materials and designs come with a risk of failure, Metallosis, and tissue necrosis.
Hip Implant Complications and Particle Debris
One of the most common types of hip implants involves total hip replacements with a metal-on-metal hip implant. These surfaces rub together each time the patient moves, walks, or sits and can cause debris to be produced into the hip area. As much as 100,000 to 1 million particles of debris can be produced with each and every movement, leading to serious complications including:
- Severe joint pain
- Implant failure
- Tissue necrosis
- Deterioration of bone
- Cyst formation
- Pseudotumor formation
- Osteolysis
- Metallosis
- Hip dislocation
- Infection
- Heterotopic ossification
- Fractures
- Mortality rate up to 2.5%
- And more
The most common hip implant complication is periprosthetic Osteolysis. This is defined as the loss of bone around the hip replacement and it is the cause of nearly 75% of all hip implant failures.
Denver Hip Replacement Lawsuit Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as a result of a defective hip implant, it is important to discuss the situation with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Failure to do so may jeopardize your chances of obtaining compensation for injury.
In a free consultation, a Denver hip implant lawsuit attorney at Denver Trial Lawyers ® can inform you of your rights, educate you about the legal process, and discuss how we may be able to obtain compensation for you.
