Texas Modular-Neck Hip Implant Lawyer

Modular-neck hip implants are designed with an interchangeable neck. Unfortunately, this metal-on-metal component may be prone to fretting and/or corrosion, and it may leak toxic metal debris into the patient’s body. Even more troubling, the revision surgery is often extremely difficult and traumatic. Stryker has recently recalled two modular-neck hip implants (the Rejuvenate and ABG II) and Wright ProFemur is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney in Tennessee.

 

Do I Have a Hip Implant Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has been injured by a hip implant, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a hip implant lawsuit.

What is a Modular-Neck Hip Implant?

A modular-neck hip implant is a unique design that has an interchangeable neck (the part between the femoral stem and the head). Most other hip implants are designed with one solid piece of metal that pivots inside a socket. The modular-neck design is intended to help a surgeon custom-fit the implant and match the patient’s unique biomechanics.

The modular-neck design seems like a good idea, but it has recently been linked to the same defect as metal-on-metal hip implants. You have likely heard about several recalls of metal-on-metal hip implants — these devices are designed with a metal ball-and-socket that grind together. They can shed toxic metal debris into the body, causing a wide range of serious complications.

At first, it doesn’t make sense that the modular-neck hip implant could have the same defect as a metal-on-metal hip implant. But, in fact, modular-neck implants do have a metal-on-metal component at or around the junction of the femoral stem and neck.

Just like metal-on-metal hip implants, modular-neck hip implants can corrode, shed toxic metal debris into the body, cause pain, swelling, inflammation, tissue damage, bone loss, formation of non-cancerous pseudotumors, and decreased mobility or dislocation of the hip joint.

Types of Modular-Neck Hip Implants

Stryker Recalls Rejuvenate, ABG II Hip Implant

The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II were approved under the FDA’s 510(k) fast-track approval system. This system allows manufacturers of new devices to avoid conducting safety studies so long as they claim their device is “substantially similar” to a device that has already been approved.

Unfortunately, “similar” medical devices are not always safe. In July 2012, Stryker recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip implants due to “excessive metal debris and/or ion generation.” The hip implants also had fretting and/or corrosion at or about the modular neck junction.

More than 60 adverse event reports were submitted to the FDA. People reported chronic pain, swelling, and other complications that required revision surgery.

Stryker has recommended that people who were implanted with the Rejuvenate or ABG II should undergo a medical evaluation, especially if they already have problems with their hip implant. They may need to have a blood test to check for elevated metal ion levels in their bloodstream, which is one indication of premature corrosion and/or fretting.

Unfortunately, revision surgery for this type of hip implant is expected to be very painful, debilitating, and difficult for the surgeon. This is because the defective part is the femoral stem — the part that is driven into the patient’s femur. It can be very difficult to remove this part, and traumatic to re-implant another femoral stem. The procedure is painful, costly, time-consuming, and debilitating. If you were forced to have revision surgery, you are not alone, and you have a right to seek justice for your severe injuries.

U.S. Attorneys Investigating Wright ProFemur Hip Implant

Stryker based the 510(k) application of their recalled hip implants on the Wright ProFemur, another modular-neck hip implant. In regulatory filings with the SEC, Wright Medical Technology claimed that the ProFemur does not have the same design or defect as the Stryker hip implant.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Tennessee subpoenaed Wright for documents and records regarding the Wright ProFemur modular-neck hip implant. The investigation will hopefully help the public better understand the risks and safety of the Wright ProFemur. The product has not been recalled, but the company is already facing lawsuits.

Hip Implant Side Effects

Do I have a Hip Implant Lawsuit?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free hip implant lawsuit review.

Meet Your Attorney

Collen A. Clark

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

“Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

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