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Prosthetic Implants
Over time, an individual's hips and knees may begin to degrade, usually from the average wear and tear that occurs throughout the years. However, many individuals may require a surgical procedure to replace their hips or knees with a prostheses if the wear and tear becomes debilitating.
A prosthesis is an artificial replacement of or substitute for a part of the body. Prostheses may be removable or may be permanently implanted. A prosthesis is used for functional or cosmetic reasons or in many cases, a prostheses is used for both. Hip and knee prostheses are permanently implanted to replace a hip or knee that was not functioning properly or has had years of wear and tear from an individual.
Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in all of orthopedic surgery. The procedure involves replacing damaged or deteriorated joints with artificial replacements, which include parts made of high molecular weight polyethylene, similar to pliable plastic. Most patients who undergo a hip or knee replacement gain improved agility, flexibility, and reduced pain; however, due to the practice of sterilizing polyethylene, some replacements have failed prematurely, resulting in injury, and causing the need for further surgery to replace the failed parts.
Several companies use a technique known as gamma irradiation in air to sterilize the hip and knee prostheses. During the procedure, small pieces of the polyehtylene part of the device which was previously sterilized may break down and become stuck in the hip or knee joint of a patient. Osteolysis is a condition that is common in individuals with the extra pieces of material floating in their body. Osteolysis is when the immune system begins to attack healthy bones as well causing decay. The patient inevitably needs another potentially risky surgery to replace the hip or knee prosthesis long before expected.
Several of the following manufacturers are under investigation for faulty hip and knee implants that were manufactured in the early 1990s:
. Depuy
. Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
. Howmedica, Inc.
. Osteonics Corp.
. Zimmer
. Biomet Each hip and knee prostheses case is unique and requires a thorough review of the individual’s medical records to determine proper product identification and to determine potential damages or injuries as a result of the implantation of a hip or knee prosthesis.
However, for those who have been involved in knee or hip replacement, the possibility to develop a hip or knee replacement lawsuit is available. To learn about hip or knee prostheses litigation, contact an experienced law firm. In such a case, the plaintiff will seek compensatory damages from the defendant for medical bills.