The Right Time To File A DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit
DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, has been a trusted name in the medical device industry for over a hundred years.Following the recall of the ASR hip replacement system last fall, the company currently has to deal with oncoming litigation regarding Pinnacle hip replacements. Currently, Pinnacle litigation has been placed on hold until the May 16th hearing where the parties will argue over the appropriate venue for Pinnacle multidistrict litigation (MDL). Patients receiving defective Pinnacle device should know when to pursue a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit.
DePuy's Pinnacle system is categorized as a metal-on-metal hip replacement device. This device differs from typical hip replacement systems that involve a synthetic plastic liner inside the socket part of the synthetic joint since they are equipped with a metal liner instead. During total hip replacement surgery, the upper part of the thigh bone is replaced with a metal ball as the hip socket in the pelvic bone is resurfaced with a metal shell and metal liner.
Once the procedure is finished, the patient must undergo a long and painful rehabilitation and recovery process which could takes several weeks or months. However, there are sure signs of a defective device that affects not only this process, but the health of the patient. So, when should a patient who received a Pinnacle hip replacement pursue a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received over 1,300 complaints associated with the Pinnacle hip replacement with the majority of these focusing on the premature loosening of the device from the bone, which leads to device failure. The most common cause of premature loosening of the Pinnacle device from the hip bone is due to a condition known as metallosis.The metal components of these devices are under constant friction, causing metal particles to be released into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. Even though more research needs to be conducted, the metal particles released from the device have the potential to also cause tumors, abnormal tissue growth, and increase the risk of cancer, stroke, and other health problems.
Other additional and significant complaints include persistent, excruciating pain, especially when any weight is loaded onto the affected hip, causing difficulty in walking.Hip fractures and bone erosion can also be caused by a defective Pinnacle device.
Patients that are experiencing any of these symptoms due to a defective Pinnacle device should pursue a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit. If you believe you are entitled to proper compensation because your quality of life has been affected, go to the DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit website now to have your case evaluated for free.