The failure of metal hip implants has taken patients by surprise because they were led to believe that with an all-metal design the device may last longer, news reports say. The failure of these devices may be caused by a number of different factors. The rate and time of hip implant failure differs with each type and design. However, for the most part, men and women who have metal hip implants seem to be more prone to experiencing this type of problem. Consequently, men and women who believe that their implants may have caused their problems have filed DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuits. There are patients that have experienced limb swelling and cysts caused by metal implants.

 

Researchers investigated the reasons for these hip device failures and have come up with the following:

·      The loosening of the inserted hip device. The implant is fitted and pressed to the bone for it to work efficiently. However, they may loosen overtime because of constant use and pressure.

·      The infection of the device. Researchers have found that implants, no matter what type, are prone to infection. It is one of the most common complications in any type of operation and the threat does not cease to exist even long after the procedure.

·      The usual wear and tear of implants. Constant use of any object may eventually bring it to the end of its use. Just the human body that ages and wears down overtime. The wear and tear of the device may even cause more problems because of the small specks of it that are caught in the surrounding tissues that might cause infection, inflammation and swelling.

·      Osteolysis may come as a result of the wear and tear of the prosthesis. The bone wherein the device is attached may start to degenerate and breakdown. This may permanently damage the bone if left untreated. The weakened bone may not be able to support the prosthesis any longer which may lead to loosening.

 

Patients who have such problems may require a secondary operation to correct their first implant. There are some who may need more than just one operation to correct the problem. This may add more difficulty to the patient because it does not only put their life at risk but may also add more to their hospital bills. Visit the DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Center at depuypinnaclelawsuit.com to know more about hip implant problems.