Knowing When To Pursue A DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit
DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, has been a trusted name in the medical device industry for over a hundred years. With the recall of the ASR hip replacement system last fall, the company is now facing litigation directed at the Pinnacle hip replacement system. For now, Pinnacle litigation has been placed on hold until the May 16th hearing when both parties will discuss the appropriate venue for Pinnacle multidistrict litigation (MDL). Patients receiving defective Pinnacle device should know when to pursue a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit.
DePuy’s Pinnacle hip replacement is categorized as a metal-on-metal device. Because it is equipped with a metal liner, this device differs from typical hip replacement systems that involve a synthetic plastic liner inside the socket part of the synthetic joint instead. In total hip replacement surgery, the upper end of the thigh bone is replaced with a metal ball and the hip socket in the pelvic bone is resurfaced with a metal shell and metal liner.
After total hip replacement surgery, the patient must go through a rehabilitation and recovery process which could take anywhere from weeks to months. However, there are sure signs of a defective device that affects not only this process, but the health of the patient. So, when should a patient who received a Pinnacle hip replacement pursue a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received over 1,300 complaints associated with the Pinnacle hip replacement with the majority of these focusing on the premature loosening of the device from the bone, which leads to device failure. The main reason for the loosening of the Pinnacle device is due to a condition known as metallosis. Since the metal components of these devices undergo constant friction, metal particles are released into the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. Although further research needs to be performed, the metal particles have the potential to also cause tumors, abnormal tissue growth, and increase the risk of cancer, stroke, and other health problems.
Other complaints include persistent, debilitating pain, especially when any weight is placed on the affected hip, causing difficulty in walking. A Pinnacle device that is defective may potentially cause hip fractures and bone erosion.
Recipients of Pinnacle hip replacements that are experiencing any of these symptoms do have the option of pursuing a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit. If you are suffering from pain caused by DePuy’s Pinnacle device, fight for the compensation you deserve and go to the DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit website to have your case evaluated by an experienced attorney for free.