Saturday 21 April 2012

Biomet Metal on Metal Hip Implant Compensation Claim


Article by
Kevin Timms

Metal on Metal (“MoM”) hip implants are at the centre of controversy at present. Metal on metal hip implants were supposed to be revolutionary and were intended for younger patients who led active lives. However, many of the metal on metal hip implants were brought to market without having full clinical trials.

Biomet is a manufacturer of metal on metal hip implants which are all alleged to be have an inherent design defect in which high levels of metal ions are released when the two metal components rub together.

Biomet metal on metal hip implants consist of a metal femoral bearing and metal acetabular cup. Both components are manufactured with a Cobalt and Chromium alloy and the Biomet metal on metal hip implant was designed so that it was self lubricating and the two metal components were not supposed to rub together and therefore the rate of wear from the implant was intended to be reduced.

However, Biomet metal on metal hip implants do not have a reduced rate of wear. On the contrary, many people with a Biomet metal on metal hip implant are experiencing extremely serious adverse reactions as a result of the metal components rubbing together and releasing high levels of metal (cobalt and chromium) ions. This, for many people with a Biomet metal on metal hip implant, is causing serious personal injuries, leading to early revision surgery.

Whilst pain and discomfort is normal following hip replacement surgery, if these adverse symptoms persist or reoccur, this may be a sign of a problem with the Biomet metal on metal hip implant. Where the metal ions are released over time, this debris collects in the joint and muscles around the hip.

Many people first realise there is a problem when they experience pain, swelling or problems walking. However, as time goes on, the problems can become more serious such as the implant becoming loose, fractures or dislocation of the two metal components.

Although Biomet hip implants were regarded as having a life in excess of 15 years, many people are requiring revision surgery much sooner due to the personal injuries they have sustained from the metal ions being released from the Biomet metal on metal hip implant.

An issue which arises where extensive damage has occurred as a result of metal ion release from a Biomet metal on metal hip implant is that there is a risk that the life of the revision hip implant may be reduced.

The UK medical device regulator, the MHRA, has issued guidance for investigating whether someone is experiencing adverse symptoms as a result of a failing Biomet metal on metal hip implant. For further information please click here.

Kevin Timms is in receipt of instructions to bring Biomet metal on metal compensation claims as well as a number of other metal on metal hip implants. Kevin specialises in defective product claims. For free advice on whether you can bring a claim for problems you are experiencing as a result of your Biomet metal on metal hip implant please call Kevin on 01992 422 128 or email Kevin at Kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk.




Tel: 01992 422 128

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

2 comments:

  1. An extremely informative article, it is important that people know possible risks with medical procedures. A hip replacement is an important procedure that many people go through so it is vital that the patient gets the best care possible.

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