DEFECTIVE BIOMET HIP REPLACEMENT DEVICES RECALLED
Problems with a component of the hip replacement devices manufactured by Biomet led to their recall in September 2001. The ball portion of the artificial hip joint was found to be faulty; it had a propensity to fracture and require replacement surgery. One of the materials used in the device was found to become unstable, which led to its recall.
Biomet, a U.S. maker of artificial hips, used a faulty part which came from a French manufacturer, who also supplied seven other American artificial hip manufacturers with the affected part.
Hip replacement surgery is done for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip, which is develops from wear and tear on the hip joint and causes the patient severe discomfort and decreased mobility. Patients may also require a hip replacement if they suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory autoimmune disease), a traumatic injury to the hip, an infection in the area, or a developmental abnormality of the hip.
Hip replacement surgery is generally considered an option only when other measures, such as anti-inflammatory medications, have not been successful.
Symptoms of a broken hip replacement device include:
Patients may hear an actual pop when the component breaks. This is something that needs to be looked at by a physician immediately. The faulty components must be replaced, and the patient must undergo another hip replacement surgery.
Not all hip implants use this particular material, so those with components made from other materials, such as aluminum or steel, should not be affected. The disintegration of the device appears to be occurring between 13 and 27 months after implantation in affected patients.
If you or a member of your family has had to have a hip replacement repaired and the hip replacement device was manufactured by Biomet, then you may qualify for a lawsuit claim. Thousands of people have already filed claims.
In America today there are thousands of mass lawsuits and billions of dollars in unclaimed monies available for victims. If you have been wronged by a major corporation, you may be entitled to compensation for treatments and pain and suffering
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