Hip Replacement Attorneys in Cleveland, OH

Hip Replacement Attorneys in Cleveland, OH

Hip Replacement Attorneys in Cleveland, OH

As you age, your hips as well as other joints can become instable or damaged due to the natural breakdown of cartilage. The lack of cushioning material between bones can result in painful movements and limited mobility.

Modern medicine has enabled orthopedic surgeons to drastically reduce the comfort of patients via hip replacement surgeries. During this surgery, parts of the hip joint (or the entire joint) can be replaced with artificial components.

Surgeries are invasive, time-consuming procedures that cause a lot of incidental damage to surrounding tissues. Recovery times are long, painful and can greatly disrupt the lives of patients and their families. No one who has undergone a hip replacement surgery wants to repeat the process if they can help it. Unfortunately, a faulty hip replacement device may require a surgical solution, meaning families are forced to endure the pain, suffering and expense all that entails for a second time.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which the damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial parts. The goal of hip replacement surgery is to relieve chronic pain and improve mobility. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. In a healthy hip joint, the head of the femur fits snugly into a socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis.

The surfaces of both bones are covered with cartilage, which helps them move smoothly against each other. In some cases, such as arthritis or injury, this cartilage can become worn away or damaged, causing pain and limited mobility. When nonsurgical treatments such as medications and physical therapy no longer provide relief, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery.

The implanted artificial components are designed to replicate the function of a healthy hip joint and provide pain relief and improved mobility for many years after surgery. There are many companies that design and manufacture these artificial joint components. They don’t always use the same materials and manufacturing processes. Even within a single company or line of hip replacement implants, there can be issues with individual batches.

What Are the Risks Associated with Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacements are a common and usually successful surgical procedure, but they can come with some risks and complications, including loosening of the implant, nerve damage and tissue damage.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concerns about metal-on-metal hip implants due to their potential for several different complications, including:

• Increased risk of metal ion release: Metal-on-metal hip implants have been associated with an increased risk of metal ion release into the bloodstream, which can cause a range of health problems, including changes to blood pressure and an elevated heart rate.
• Tissue damage: Metal-on-metal hip implants can cause tissue damage due to friction between the two metal components. This can result in pain and inflammation in the surrounding area.
• Increased wear and tear: Metal-on-metal hip implants are more prone to wear and tear than other types of implants, such as ceramic implants. This can lead to loosening or dislocation of the implant over time.
• Allergic reactions: People prone to allergies may experience allergic reactions to the metals used in metal-on-metal hip implants.

If you or your loved one suffered an adverse reaction to a metal-on-metal hip replacement, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, pain and suffering and any additional medical costs you were forced to endure.

Are Implants Supposed to Last Forever?

This is a common misconception some hip implant recipients or their families have. Your doctor should explain exactly how long your hip implant should last, which is usually between 10 and 20 years. If a hip replacement is no longer effective 20 years after you had the procedure performed, it may not be due to a defective hip implant.

Signs You May Be Suffering from Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Complications

• Pain in the hip, groin or leg
• Swelling around the hip joint
• A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the hip joint
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected side
• Elevated levels of metal ions in the bloodstream

If you are experiencing issues with a hip replacement, you may need to consult with Malfunctioning Hip Replacement Attorneys to understand your legal options. Our team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of these cases and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact the Malfunctioning Hip Replacement Attorneys at Buckeye Law Group today to schedule a consultation.