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.