A Closer Look at FDA Adverse Event Reports for the DePuy Pinnacle
Recent events, including a spike in complaints received by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the publication of data from a United Kingdom medical device registry, leave little doubt as to the dangers of metal-on-metal hip replacements. In an effort to help DePuy Pinnacle recipients identify side effects that may indicate device failure, it is helpful to look at adverse event reports filed with the FDA by metal-on-metal Pinnacle patients.
Description of DePuy Pinnacle Side Effects
June 2010 Adverse Event Report
According to the recipient, the groin and thigh pain which prompted her to undergo hip replacement surgery intensified after she received a Pinnacle implant. She says, “I am unable to go up and down stairs, turning in bed hurts. My leg is weak and even with 3 rounds of (physical therapy) still have no strength and severe pain. I am a registered nurse and have taken care of patients with hip replacements, this is not a normal recovery. Something is wrong with this device.”
August 2010 Adverse Event Report
After receiving a Pinnacle implant in 2005 the recipient has “had three hip replacement dislocations since then. The first time I was bending forward leaning to the right, the second time I went to sit down on the sofa, the third time I was sitting in a chair and was in a curled position and went to straighten out on the ottoman.”
November 2010 Adverse Event Report
This report, prepared by a healthcare professional, lays bare the potential dangers of metal-on-metal DePuy Pinnacle hip systems. In it, a physician states: “This is to report a significant problem with complications due to metal-on-metal wear particles leading to (pain) necessitating revision hip surgery and removal of implants due to severe synovitis and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, confirmed with tissue pathology. Patients should be made aware of the significant risk associated with this system.”
Contact RLG to Discuss a Possible DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit
In the absence of both a DePuy Pinnacle recall and a pledge by J&J to reimburse injured Pinnacle patients for their losses, victims are taking action by filing lawsuits against the manufacturer. In fact, hundreds of people have done so to date, and you might be able to join their ranks if you received a faulty Pinnacle. To determine whether you qualify for compensation through a Pinnacle lawsuit, contact the Rottenstein Law Group for a complimentary case evaluation. To get started, fill out this form or call 1-888-209-5112 .