Smith & Nephew Lawyer

In June 2012, Smith & Nephew voluntarily recalled their R3 Acetabular hip implant devices. Studies have suggested that this particular model of hip implant were 60% more likely to require revision surgery to repair the device than other hip implant devices on the market.

You should consult a Smith & Nephew lawyer if you or someone you care about has been harmed by a hip implant device. Our dedicated hip replacement attorneys can help you file a claim for compensation.

What Are Smith & Nephew Hip Implant Devices?

If the non-surgical treatments no longer relieve pain and inflammation in your hip, you and your physician may consider total hip replacement.

The Smith & Nephew hip implant is comprised of four parts that work together to restore the original function of your ball-and-socket joint:

A metal hip stem that is inserted into the top of your thighbone
A metal cup that holds the cup liner
A cup liner that holds the femoral head
The femoral head or ball is attached to the hip stem and inserted into the liner to form the ball-and-socket joint

What Are Possible Complications of Smith & Nephew Hip Implant Devices?

Many patients who have received Smith & Nephew hip implant devices have experienced severe complications, including:

Pain/difficulty walking
Dislocation of the implant
Infection
Periprosthetic osteolysis (bone fracturing)
Metallosis (metal poisoning)

Although the FDA does not require premarket testing of hip implant devices, manufacturers are obligated to design and sell safe products to the public. Additionally, they are responsible for warning patients of any risks or dangers associated with their devices. When a patient suffers significant complications or injuries due to a defective Smith & Nephew hip device, it may warrant reaching out to a lawyer for help taking legal action. Smith & Nephew can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the patient.

Periprosthetic Osteolysis

Osteolysis is defined as the process of gradual destruction of bony tissue, which is characterized by cavitation at the implant-bone or cement-bone surface. Without proper treatment, osteolysis may progress to catastrophic failure of the hip implant.

A bone biopsy is used to test samples of bone. This may show if your osteolysis is caused by cancer cells. Ask your caregiver for more information about a bone biopsy.
An x-ray takes pictures of your bones and the tissue around your bones. The pictures show thin bones and any breaks in your bones. More than one x-ray may be taken over time.
CT scan is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray machine takes pictures of your bones, and bone marrow. The pictures may show if your bones are thin or if you have a tumor. You may be given contrast dye before the pictures are taken.
An MRI takes pictures of your bones and ligaments and tendons. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better.
A PET scan can show any breakdown of bone, or if cancer has spread to your bones.

Retain an Attorney for a Lawsuit Against Smith & Nephew

Our Smith & Nephew lawyers can help if you or someone you care about suffered severe adverse effects from these devices. We are currently investigating Smith & Nephew Emperion Stem, Smith & Nephew Modular SMF and REDAPT modular neck femoral stems, and Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular hip implant devices.

Call today for your free case review.