The British company, Smith & Nephew has voluntarily recalled the optional metal liner used in their R3 Acetabular system. The company stated they are unhappy with the clinical results of the metal liner component of the hip implant. Clinical studies showed that 1.6 percent of patients with the system needed a revision surgery every year; this is above the 1 percent guideline set by Britain’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Patients have reported complications from the metal liner, including:
- Infections
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Metal sensitivity
Smith & Nephew first introduced the metal liner in Europe and Australia in 2007, but it wasn’t launched globally until 2009. Approximately 7,700 metal liners have been implanted since the product was first launched; the majority of the liners have been used in total hip replacements.
Complications With Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants
This latest recall only adds to the concerns that patients and health care professionals have about metal-on-metal hip implants. DePuy and several metal-on-metal hip implants have been associated with metallosis, the build-up of metallic debris in the body. Metallosis happens when the metal components of the hip implants rub up against each other, releasing metallic ions into the body. The patient’s body can develop an inflammatory response to the debris, leading to soft tissue and muscle damage.
Smith & Nephew claims that there is no evidence that the metal liners have caused metallosis. Critics say that it is too early to discount metallosis as the source of the patient’s problems. Several patients have filed lawsuits against the company.
Some recipients of metal-on-metal hip implants have also experienced cobalt poisoning. Cobalt poisoning can cause numerous health conditions such as:
- Optic nerve damage
- Vertigo
- Headaches
- Convulsions
- Blindness
- Hypothyroidism
For a free legal consultation, call 203-437-6190
Ask About Legal Options Such As A Lawsuit
Although Smith & Nephew claims that the metal liners have not been linked to metallosis, our defective products attorneys would like to hear from anyone who has suffered adverse effects from the product. Patients have filed numerous lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Unit, Stryker Corp. and many other companies claiming that their metal-on-metal hip implants have caused metal poisoning.
If you or a loved has experienced complications from a Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular System, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers today, for a Free Case Evaluation. Call 800-PERKINS or send us an email.
