Biomet Hip Implants Lawyers
Warning: The Biomet M2a Magnum Hip Replacement Device Can Cause Serious Complications
Each year, approximately 270,000 people in the U.S. undergo hip replacement surgery, with more than 20% of them performed using what is known as “metal-on-metal” hip implants. A metal-on-metal hip implant is a device that contains a metal ball and socket which are typically made of chromium or cobalt. For many years before the use of metal-on-metal implants, earlier devices were made from other materials such as polyethylene (plastic) or ceramic.
However, over last ten years, many orthopedic surgeons have favored implants made with metal stems and sockets, as they appeared to be more resistant to dislocation and material wear and tear. Hip replacement devices that showed promise for people with serious hip problem is the metal-on-metal Biomet M2a Magnum hip implant device (the “Biomet Magnum”) manufactured by Biomet Orthopedics, LLC (“Biomet”).
Since the FDA’s approval of the Biomet Magnum in 2004 it has unfortunately received quite a bit of public scrutiny, due to serious complications associated with its use, such as:
- Chronic hip, groin or back pain
- Painful walking or moving
- Swelling in the hip/groin area
- Dislocation or loosening of the implant device
- A clicking or crunching noise originating from the implant device
- Decreased physical ability
- Metal poisoning
- Subsequent hip implant revision surgeries
- Cancer from toxic metal exposure
FDA Warnings about the Biomet Magnum
As of May 31, 2012, the FDA specifically received more than 450 reports of complications associated with the use of the Biomet Magnum implant. According to a Bloomberg article published in July 2012, the FDA reported a total of approximately 16,800 complications, such as those listed above, related to the usage of metal-on-metal hip implants (including the Biomet Magnum) in the United States between 2000 and 2011. In addition, the FDA issued a statement entitled “Concerns about Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Systems”, indicating that there may be a risk of metal poisoning associated with having a metal-on-metal implant devices.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration met with orthopedic specialists due to the growing body of evidence across the globe establishing that metal-on-metal hip implant devices have a higher failure rate than those made of other materials, such as plastic or ceramic. The FDA indicated that it will release its recommendations shortly.
The Biomet Magnum Hip Replacement Implant Device Has Been Shown to be Dangerous
Pursuant to a study published in The Lancet, researchers examined over 400,000 hip replacement patients who underwent device implantation surgeries between 2003 and 2011. Out of the 400,000, over 30,000 received metal-on-metal implants, including the Biomet Magnum – which consist of ball and cup made of materials such as chromium and cobalt. When compared with those that received hip implants made of other materials, such as ceramic or plastic, the metal-on-metal devices evinced a much higher failure rate. Specifically, over six percent of these devices failed, where a much smaller percentage failed for non-metal-on-metal devices. Additionally, another recent study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that implant manufacturers such as Biomet are fully aware of the evidence linking metal-on-metal hip devices to serious adverse side effects. The report also provided that several thousands of people across the globe who received a Biomet Magnum and other similar devices may have been exposed to dangerous amounts of toxic metals, due to wear and tear of these products.
The Biomet Hip Replacement Device in the News
The Biomet Magnum hip replacement device has recently been under significant scrutiny due to serious complications associated with the usage of this device. Accordingly, over 40 lawsuits have been filed against Biomet across the United States, and in July of 2012, a petition was filed requesting that all Biomet Magnum cases be consolidated in either the United States Judicial District of Northern California or the Southern District of New York. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is expected to hear oral arguments over the consolidation of the matter in late September. Numerous plaintiffs have joined in the request to seek a centralization of the case in an MDL, and generally allege that Biomet failed to properly research the implant design and warn the public about its risks, including metal poisoning. Legal experts opine that the number of cases added to this potential MDL will increase dramatically in the near future.
Our Lawyer is Ready Now to Help You
It is crucial to speak with an attorney who is qualified to handle the various complexities and nuances associated with suing device manufacturers. Only a skilled product liability lawyer can help victims of the Biomet Magnum hip replacement implant and other metal-on-metal devices recover monetary damages for costs due to medical treatment, pain and suffering, as well as lost wages. You certainly need an attorney on your side who has the experience necessary to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Biomet Magnum Hip Replacement Case Evaluations
Give us a call today to see if you or a loved one may be entitled to recover monetary damages from complications caused by metal-on-metal hip replacement implant manufacturers. Call attorney Ken Stern at 1-844-808-7529, or complete an online contact form for assistance.
