Bone with medical equipment inside

Smith & Nephew Hip Implants Are Being Recalled

Do you have a Smith & Nephew metal hip implant? It could be one of several models that have been recalled by the company throughout the last several years due to unsafe failure rates and metallosis or cobalt poisoning.

Smith & Nephew hip models with recalls or serious concerns include:

  • Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System
  • Emperion Hip System
  • Modular SMF
  • R3 Acetabular Hip System
  • Redapt Revision Femoral System

The medical device manufacturer first recalled the R3 Acetabular Hip System in 2012 due to a growing list of failures and complaints among users. As the devices failed, revision surgery was needed to replace them. As more years passed, more recalls from Smith & Nephew were announced. In 2019, Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) against the company grew to include more than 600 lawsuits from patients who had some sort of Smith & Nephew hip implant system that failed unexpectedly.

Worrying links between Smith & Nephew hip implant systems and metallosis have also become more abundant in recent years. As the metal-on-metal hip joints move, the metal pieces rub together, creating tiny slivers of metal that flake off the device. Those slivers become embedded in the patient’s surrounding flesh, causing pain and possibly metallosis, which can be life-threatening if unaddressed.

Should You See a Doctor If You Have a Smith & Nephew Hip Implant?

Although there have been thousands of Smith & Nephew hip replacement systems recalled to date, not all of the products made by the company are dangerous. If you have a Smith & Nephew hip implant, and you have not experienced any side effects of metallosis, like heart complications or chronic pain, then you might not be in immediate danger of a medical device failure. However, it never hurts to discuss your options with your doctor anyway.

Your primary care physician can help you decide what to do next if you are experiencing side effects of a defective Smith & Nephew hip implant or if you are worried about them. It is likely that the only solution would be to remove the device and replace it with a different product altogether. Revision surgery is risky, just like any type of major surgery, so your doctor might not recommend this option until all others are explored or your symptoms worsen to the point that they are concerning.

Can You Sue Smith & Nephew?

As mentioned, there are hundreds of lawsuits pending against Smith & Nephew so far. Hundreds more could be filed in the future for the MDL, mass torts, or class actions. It depends on how many Smith & Nephew hip replacement patients explore their legal options. Certain patients might have a valid claim even if they have not yet experienced any adverse symptoms caused by their implants.

If you think you might have a claim against Smith & Nephew, then the next thing you should do is reach out to a trusted and local injury law firm. People throughout Pennsylvania can turn to Metzger Wickersham for assistance. Using our extensive legal backgrounds, we can help you figure out if you have a case. Contact us now to learn more.

Categories
    Kept me up to date on everything

    “They kept me up to date on everything that was goin on with my case. Answered all my questions.”

    - Lori D.
    Helps you to the fullest

    “Very courtesy and understanding and helps you to the fullest therefore you anytime of the day to talk to you and answer your questions and I will use them again.”

    - Cindy R.
    Thank you Zack Campbell!

    “Very happy with our experience would highly recommend them Thank you Zack Campbell”

    - Diana B.
    Had a great experience with these awesome people

    “Had a great experience with these awesome people. Their job was done promoting well and they got me way more than I could have imagined. I would Highly recommend.”

    - Michael C.
    Great Attorneys!

    “Great Attorneys”

    - David S.
    Always courteous and kept me informed and up to date on the whole process

    “My experience with M&W was made very painless by [Attorney] Lori & [Paralegal] Judy from the Hbg office!”

    - Kenneth W.
    I would recommend these people to anyone.

    “The lawyers at this office and their staff, Mr. [Attorney] DeVere and [Paralegal] Stephanie, his assistant, became the voice I didn’t have after the accident. They were my points of light.”

    - Ms. D. Lopez
    I would recommend Metzger Wickersham to everyone.

    “You guys were so easy to work with. There was no stress and the whole process was done in a timely manner. I would recommend Metzger Wickersham to everyone. Such a pleasure.”

    - Sharon B.
    You guys are absolutely amazing and that’s an understatement.

    “Attorney Painter was simply amazing...My wife had been fighting SSI for over three years. Since working with Metzger Wickersham her stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone.”

    - Carlos B.
    Outstanding in every way

    “Outstanding in every way no one has ever helped me more in my entire life like this firm. I highly recommend. Thank you very much.”

    - Gary K.

Let Us Fight For You

Request a Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.