DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant

Although the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement system has not been recalled like the comparable DePuy ASR hip replacement system was in 2010, patients who have been implanted with a DePuy Pinnacle hip may still have a claim.  Like the DePuy ASR, many patients with the DePuy Pinnacle hip system are suffering from severe pain and experiencing high early failure rates and reporting the development of metallosis.

A total hip replacement is a procedure where the diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint are replaced with an artificial device, like the DePuy Pinnacle hip.  The Pinnacle hip implant consists of a metal femoral head that often rotates against a metal liner called “Ultamet.”  Research has shown that metal-on-metal hip replacement systems can lead to serious complications.

The metal-on-metal contact can cause complications by releasing metal particles in the patient’s surrounding tissue, increasing the cobalt-chromium metal toxicity in the patient’s blood, tissue and organs.  The metal particles can give rise a condition known as metallosis. Metallosis occurs when metallic fragments build up in the soft tissues that surround the artificial hip.  Over time, the patient’s tissue and organs breakdown and cause the device to fail.  In February, the FDA warned of the risks of metal-on-metal hips, like the Pinnacle device.

DePuy Orthopaedics, a Johnson & Johnson Company, has manufactured more than 150,000 Pinnacle hip replacement systems since first launching the device in 2001.  Since then, it is estimated that over 1,300 adverse events have been reported to DePuy Orthopaedics regarding the Pinnacle hip system’s failure. 

Patients have experienced the following:

• Swelling at or near the hip joint
• Pain in the hip, groin or leg
• Loss of mobility
• Loosening of the hip replacement system
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Additional hip revision surgery

Additional Information:

• December 27, 2011: The High Cost of Failing Artificial Hips, nytimes.com
• FDA Info: Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
• September 30, 2011: Remedy Is Elusive as Metallic Hips Fail at a Fast Rate, nytimes.com
• September 15, 2011: Metal Hips Failing Fast, Report Says, nytimes.com
• August 22, 2011: Hip Implant Complaints Surge, Even as the Dangers Are Studied, nytimes.com
• June 25, 2011: In Medicine, New Isn’t Always Improved, nytimes.com
• May 10, 2011: Hip Makers Told to Study More Data, nytimes.com

If you or a loved one have experienced any complications from a DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement system, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your potential legal claim. If you would like more information, or would just like to talk with a lawyer experienced in this litigation, please call us toll-free at 800-755-0098 for a free consultation or fill out an online free case review form. Zimmerman Reed is experienced in handling defective medical device cases and we welcome any questions you may have.