Smith & Nephew Hip Implant Recall Lawsuits
Seeking Justice for Those Hurt by Defective Products
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Metal On Metal
Smith & Nephew is withdrawing a component of one of its all-metal artificial hip systems, following a higher than normal level of patient problems with the device.
The voluntary recall will add to concerns about the safety of metal-on-metal hips, although the British company said on Friday the issues with its system were different to those seen with some other all-metal implants.
A small number of patients experienced problems including infections, fractures and dislocations — but there was no evidence of “metallosis,” or the build-up of metallic debris in the body, a spokesman said.
Smith & Nephew is withdrawing the optional metal liner, or cup, component of its R3 Acetabular System. Surgeons, however, will still be able to use the system using alternative nonmetal liners, and the company said it did not anticipate any delays to surgery.
The decision follows an analysis of clinical results showing that 1.6% of patients with the system needed revision surgery each year, which is above the 1 percent guideline set by Britain’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Nearly 8,000 of the metal liners have been implanted since the product was introduced more than a decade ago. Procedures using the component accounted for less than one percent of Smith & Nephew’s global hip implant revenue last year.
Metal-on-metal hips were developed to be more durable than traditional implants, which combine a ceramic or metal ball with a plastic socket.
But recent experience suggests they may actually do worse, prompting the high-profile recall of one device made by Johnson & Johnson.
Contact A Defective Hip Implant Attorney
Our law firm investigates potential lawsuits for individuals who may have issues from the Smith & Nephew Zimmer Hip Recall. Contact our knowledgeable attorneys who will examine your unique situation.
We reserve the right to refer these cases out to co-counsel or may bring additional attorneys onto the case when we deem necessary.
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