Products Liability Attorney in Denver, Colorado
What advice do you have for clients faced with injuries caused by artificial hip failure?
What advice do you have for clients faced with injuries caused by artificial hip failure?
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If an individual has an artificial hip, there are crucial steps to take. Regular follow-ups with an orthopedic surgeon are essential, especially for those with a metal-on-metal bearing surface. This type of hip, where the head and cup are both metal, can pose challenges as it may shed microscopic metal debris over time. This can lead to complications such as metallosis, adverse tissue reactions, pain, and muscle degradation, necessitating hip removal and replacement.
Patients need to be aware of their hip’s specifications, whether it has modular connections, and whether it’s a metal-on-metal hip with multiple components. Testing periodically for elevated metal ions is crucial, as excessive cobalt and chromium levels may indicate hip failure. Symptoms such as pain and unusual noises from the hip should be communicated to the surgeon, who might recommend removal and replacement if necessary.
The attorney advises patients to request that removed hip parts be saved after surgery. These parts, being the patient’s property, are critical for evidentiary purposes. Preserving these parts significantly aids in building a case, demonstrating the issues with the artificial hip, and facilitating legal proceedings if required.
Denver, CO personal injury lawyer George McLaughlin shares his advice for clients faced with injuries caused by artificial hip failure. For individuals with an artificial hip, maintaining regular follow-ups with an orthopedic surgeon is crucial, particularly for those with a metal-on-metal bearing surface. This specific type of hip, featuring metal components in both the head and cup, presents challenges due to the potential shedding of microscopic metal debris over time. Complications, such as metallosis, adverse tissue reactions, pain, and muscle degradation, may arise, ultimately leading to the necessity for hip removal and replacement.
Patients are encouraged to be informed about their hip’s specifications, including the presence of modular connections and whether it’s a metal-on-metal hip with multiple components. Regular testing for elevated metal ions is advised to detect potential hip failure, indicated by excessive cobalt and chromium levels. Symptoms like pain and unusual hip noises should be promptly communicated to the surgeon, who may recommend removal and replacement when necessary.
The attorney emphasizes the importance of patients requesting the preservation of removed hip parts after surgery. Recognizing these parts as the patient’s property, their retention proves crucial for evidentiary purposes. This preservation significantly contributes to constructing a case, illustrating the artificial hip’s issues, and streamlining potential legal proceedings.
