How the DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement Can Cause Injury
Problems with the metal-on-metal version of the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement have led some recipients to file Pinnacle lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. It is normal for hip replacements to release particles through wear and tear, and this sometimes leads to bone damage and device loosening, but debris such as chromium and cobalt shed by all-metal hips can be particularly destructive. A recent article in the New York Times explains how metal fragments from hip replacements like the Pinnacle can harm the body and lead to premature device failure.
What Happens to Metal Particles in the Body
“Metal-on-metal” means that both the ball and socket portion of the artificial joint are made of metal. Grinding by these components can release metal fragments into the body. This sets off a chain reaction that can damage tissue and cause the device to malfunction.
Metal fragments, when they break away from the replacement hip, are engulfed by scavenger cells, which then digest the fragments. The fragments are further broken down into charged particles known as ions which can have a number of deleterious effects, including tissue damage, an immune system response (metallosis), and hip replacement failure. In some cases, the damage is extensive enough to necessitate a second hip replacement surgery.
DePuy Pinnacle Issues Lead to Hundreds of Lawsuits
Metal-on-metal hips have become a growing cause of concern due to their much higher than average failure rates. One such metal hip, the DePuy Pinnacle, has received so many complaints that a federal mass tort proceeding was established in Texas to deal with them. Since the multidistrict litigation (MDL) began in May, more than 500 claims have been added, most of them alleging that J&J/DePuy defectively designed the Pinnacle and did not provide sufficient warnings of its possible side effects. The first Pinnacle MDL trial dates are expected to be announced in the near future.
Receive a Free DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Evaluation
If you received an all-metal DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement that has caused you pain or discomfort, it is important that you be evaluated by a physician. If problems are detected with the device, your next step should be to contact a lawyer. Though there has been speculation about a DePuy Pinnacle recall, it does not appear imminent, making a lawsuit the only possible way to recover compensation for losses. You must act quickly, however, to ensure that the legal window of opportunity does not close. To receive your free claim review from an experienced RLG lawyer, fill out this form or call 1-888-209-5112 .