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Recent breakthroughs in medical technologies have allowed many patients suffering from joint damage and chronic pain reduce their discomfort and improve their range of motion. Thousands of people in the United States have received knee, hip and spinal disc implants in order to improve their health and enhance their lifestyles. Essentially, these individuals have put their well-being in the hands of medical implant manufacturers who stand behind the safety and efficacy of their products. However, several implant technologies have proven ineffective and even dangerous, causing knee, hip and spinal disc implant patients to experience major pain and serious personal injuries.

As an experienced Miami personal injury attorney, Sean M. Cleary recognizes the devastating effects that may result from faulty knee, hip or spinal disc replacements. He works tirelessly to help victims of defective medical devices hold manufacturers of defective products responsible for personal injuries, pain and other damages.

DePuy Recalls Faulty Hip Implant Systems

DePuy Orthopaedics issued a voluntary recall of two types of hip implant systems on Aug. 26, 2010. The recall involves two different systems, the ASR™ XL Acetabular System and the ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System. The resurfacing system has not been used in the U.S.

The ASR™ XL Acetabular System is a total hip replacement system in which a metal cup is surgically placed into the pelvis and a metal ball that rotates inside the cup is inserted into the thighbone. This system has been sold and used worldwide.

Both types of DePuy hip implant systems were recalled due to a high failure rate. According to industry standards, hip implants should last approximately 15 years. The DePuy ASR™ XL Acetabular System and the ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System have failed in certain patients in less than five years. The only way to fix the problem is revision surgery, which is expensive and painful.

Approximately 93,000 recalled DePuy hip implant systems have been used worldwide. If you require hip revision surgery to replace a faulty DePuy hip implant system, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact Sean M. Cleary for more information.

Sulzer Hip Replacement Recall: Manufacturer Negligence

In 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics announced a recall of its artificial hip replacements due to serious health risks they posed to consumers. Because of major flaws in the manufacturing process, an oily substance was left on Sulzer hip implants, which prevented them from bonding properly to patients' natural bones. As a result, Sulzer hip replacements failed to function properly, causing pain in inner thighs, groin and legs, and rendering patients contained to bed or wheelchair. To remedy their devastating condition, victims of defective Sulzer hip replacements had to undergo corrective surgery, which exposed them to additional pain, risk of infection and complicated rehabilitation process. Since the Sulzer recall, the FDA has issued a warning letter regarding Stryker Biotech hip replacements, and it has also voiced concerns regarding Zimmer Durom hip implants.

Smith & Nephew Knee Implant Recall

Artificial knee implants are used to replace arthritic knees that often cause chronic pain and render patients unable to walk. A relatively new technology, knee replacements have had their share of problems. In 2003, one of the major manufacturers of knee implants, Smith & Nephew, announced a recall of its products. Knee replacements produced by the company failed to bond to the patients' natural bones, and therefore did not function properly. As a result, some patients who received Smith & Nephew knee replacements required corrective surgery. This procedure exposed them to serious risks of infection, permanent joint damage and prolonged recovery due to the amount of scar tissue resulting from the original knee replacement surgery. These risks were often aggravated due to the fact that many patients who receive knee replacements are senior citizens.

Johnson & Johnson Charité Spinal Disc Implants: Defective Design

When Johnson & Johnson introduced its Charité spinal disc implants to the U.S. market in 2004, the company marketed this medical device as an alternative to lumbar spinal fusion surgery. The manufacturer also promised that Charité spinal disc replacements would restore the natural motion of the spine. However, these disc implants have failed to deliver the expected results and in many cases have left patients worse off than before the disc replacement surgery. In certain cases, victims of the defective Charité spinal disc implants suffer so much pain that they require revision surgery. As a result, they are exposed to risk of infection, dangers related to anesthesia, as well as immense physical and emotional distress. Furthermore, victims often face mounting medical bills, are forced to take time off work for surgery and recovery, experience loss of income and suffer major stress.

Working with a Miami Personal Injury Lawyer to Receive Compensation

If you have received a knee, hip or spinal disc replacement and are still suffering pain or your pain and medical problems have worsened, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact accomplished Miami defective medical device lawyer Sean M. Cleary today at (305) 416-9805 for a free evaluation of your case. He may be able to help you secure compensation offsetting your medical expenses and future therapy costs, physical and emotional distress, lost wages and reduced future income.

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