Hip Implant Tag
The Link Between Hip Implants And Brain Injury
in Defective Medical Devices
While the physical risks of all-metal hip implants have been extensively documented, scientists are only now learning more about the mental risks.
These devices contain high levels of cobalt. While this metal has not been studied as extensively as mercury, lead and some other heavy metals, researchers firmly believe that cobalt is as toxic to the brain as these other substances. The difficulty in studying the effects of all-metal hip implants on the brain has further hampered efforts, as the best way to conduct such research is to surgically remove the devices. However, doctors can use PET scans to look for early signs of brain injury.
Prominent Dr. Robert Bridges called cobalt the "new mercury" and urged device makers to use other materials.
More People Pursue Hip Replacement Surgery
As the market for hip implant procedures continue to expand, the number of defective hip implant lawsuits will probably rise as well.
Collectively, Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet made over $6.5 billion around the world during 2015. An aging population and an increasing obesity rate may drive global sales as high as $9.1 billion by 2024, according to current market research. Over half these sales will probably be in North America, as patients in the developing world often struggle to afford the procedure and also have a hard time finding qualified doctors to perform the surgery. Increasing per capita income may somewhat alleviate these problems.
Dallas Jury Awards $1B In Hip Implant Lawsuit
in Product Liability
Johnson & Johnson must pay $1.041 billion to six California residents who experienced serious side effects from their metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants; the jurors declared that the devices were defectively designed and that DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, failed to adequately warn consumers.
DePuy originally marketed these devices as safe and long-lasting alternatives to ceramic-on-metal (CoM) and plastic-on-metal (PoM) implants. But the plaintiffs experienced serious complications, including bone loss and tissue death. Since the verdict included only $32 million in compensatory damages, the judge will probably reduce the punitive damages award to meet punitive damages caps in Texas law. However, the message is clear, according to lead plaintiffs' counsel Mark Lanier. Johnson & Johnson has "a really nasty part of their business they need to clean up," he commented. DePuy stopped selling Pinnacle MoM implants in 2013, and last year, the pharmaceutical giant paid $2.5 billion to settle 7,000 actions related to the similar ASR implants, which were recalled in 2010.