Metallosis And The Depuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement System
Metal-on-metal hip replacement systems, such as the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle systems, are a relatively new development. Prior to their regular use in hip replacement surgery, the synthetic joints typically contained polyethylene liners within the socket, which would last an average of 12-15 years before the patient required revision surgery. The systems consisting of metal-on-metal ball and socket components are supposedly more durable and were designed as an option for younger patients whose more active lifestyle usually resulted in greater wear and tear on the joint, thereby reducing the need for repeated revision surgeries.
In the Fall of 2010, DePuy issued a recall for its ASR systems after it was found that they were reportedly failing at an unacceptably high rate. While DePuy has yet to issue a recall for the Pinnacle system, there has been new information regarding the potential risks of the product in the news as of late. Some researchers have found evidence that the components of metal-on-metal hip replacement systems may rub against one another causing pieces of metal to flake off and embed in the soft tissue surrounding the implant resulting in a condition called metal toxicity.
While the symptoms of metal toxicity may vary from patient to patient, it may cause harm or death to the tissue in which the substance has built up. Furthermore, if the substance enters the blood stream and spreads throughout the body, the patient may suffer from abnormal confusion and general malaise. While these symptoms may not make it immediately apparent that the sufferer may have developed metal toxicity, if they should appear in a person who has received a metal-on-metal hip replacement system, then she should immediately get tested for the condition.
The test for metal toxicity is usually conducted through analysis of a sample of the patient's hair. If the sample contains an inordinate amount of a metal, then chances are the patient has developed metal toxicity. Treatment typically begins with the administration of drugs that are designed to flush the metals out of the subject's body. After flushing, the patient may require treatment for residual soft tissue damage as well.
Although there has yet to be word of a recall, it is never too early to start planning for a potential DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit. If you think you have been hurt by your Pinnacle hip replacement system, there may be a basis for a claim against DePuy for the harm you suffered. In order to evaluate whether or not you have a valid claim, contact the Rottenstein Law Group. RLG's attorneys have over 25 years of experience fighting big companies whose negligence has harmed their clients.