In a peer reviewed article, copyrighted in 1998 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, incorporated and funded by among others, Zimmer and DePuy, it was apparent that DePuy and Zimmer were aware that there were increased concentrations of metal in association with metal implants. Corrosion of orthopaedic implants was a serious clinical concern. Although the freely corroding implant materials used in the past had been replaced with modern corrosion-resistant superalloys, deleterious corrosion processes have been observed in certain clinical settings.
According to the New York Times, many artificial joints, including the products created by Zimmer and DePuy, do not have to be tested in patients or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order for them to be placed on the market. With baby boomers making up a large population and slowly entering into the later years of their lives, many individuals are facing hip replacement surgery, which makes it more important than ever that hip implant systems are properly designed for efficiency and quality.
Hip implant failure presents many challenges for a person. Not only does a patient have to undergo corrective surgery to replace the implant, he or she must cope with paying medical bills, pain and suffering, physical therapy, and other challenges.
A hip replacement failure attorney in Santa Barbara at the Law Offices of Renee J. Nordstrand can inform patients who have experienced DePuy and Zimmer hip implant failure of their legal rights and options. Our lawyers have years of experience handling serious personal injury and product liability cases. To learn more about how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve, call (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.