Only a few medical procedures have a 100% success rate. Unfortunately, hip replacement procedure doesn’t belong to this category of medical procedures. There are cases when patients are suffering after this procedure and using the hip implant. They experience complications or suffering and pain. If you find yourself in a situation like this, look for a reliable personal injury law firm.

Hip replacement lawsuits – basic info

Hip replacement is a type of surgical procedure that replaces the hip joint with a prosthetic implant. The modern hip implants were used for the first time in the 1970s. There were over 310,000 hip replacements in the US in 2010 and this number is growing every year. (1) This is a useful procedure, but as we said before, certain risks are involved in the process and when something like this happens, the patient may file a lawsuit.

There are many different companies that make hip implants. The public was mostly unaware of the consequences of the use of malfunctioning hip implants. However, back in 2010, we have witnessed the emergence of one of the biggest recalls in this industry – DePuy Hip Replacement Recall. (2) The division of Johnson and Johnson was forced to recall the ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement system after getting numerous reports of problems with this system. One in eight patients has experienced problems ranging from infection to dislocation. Class actions and individual lawsuits were filed against the manufacturer in the same year. It’s worth mentioning that there was a similar case in 2000 when Sulzer Orthopedics company was involved.

The risk of metal on metal hip implants

One of the most highlighted problems associated with hip implants is their loosening. Namely, they tend to become loose after a short period of time. In other words, they will no longer provide proper support to the hip bone. As a result of this problem, patients are experiencing discomfort, pain, and problems associated with walking, moving and standing. In addition, some patients may experience squeaky joints, bone fractures and infections too.

Questions to ask before the hip replacement procedure

Just like any other surgical procedure, hip replacement surgery is a complex procedure and that’s why it is the best idea to get familiar with it before the process starts.

  1. Is there something that I can do to prepare my body for the procedure? (exercises, diet etc.)
  2. Is it necessary to lose weight before the surgical procedure?
  3. Is there something that I can do to lower the risks of this surgery?
  4. What kind of technique and what kind of hip implant will be used?
  5. What does the surgical procedure involve?
  6. What are the risks and complications that may occur with this type of surgery?
  7. How much time do I need for recovery?
  8. Is there a way to speed up the recovery process?

Hip replacement surgery is a serious medical procedure. Even though patients can expect complete success in most cases, there are situations when things can go wrong. In a situation like this, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and try to compensate the pain and suffering you have experienced due to the faulty hip implant/system. Hiring a professional personal injury lawyer can help you win the lawsuit. Look to Brooks to help you with your case – 1-800- LAW 3030

Stephen K. Brooks
Author: Stephen K. Brooks

Steve was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. As was the practice for new doctors his father worked day and night during his medical residency at Charity Hospital there. Steve comes from a long line of doctors. His father, his grandfather, his great grandfather, even two uncles were all specialists and/or surgeons in their chosen medical specialties, including internal medicine specialist, obstetrics / gynecology, neurosurgery and general practice / surgery. His great-great grandfather was the Surgeon General of Ohio during the Civil War.