Dallas Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog
Premature Hip Implant Failure leads to $3.5M Verdict. Recently, a U.S. Court of Appeals denied an appeal from Zimmer Biomet for a new trial after a $3.5 million hip implant lawsuit verdict over premature hip implant failure.
Four years ago, in 2020, an Iowan federal jury awarded $3.55 million to Lori Nicholson and her husband Willis for severe personal injuries from the company’s much-maligned and controversial M2a Magnum metal-on-metal hip implant that caused premature hip implant failure.
The jury determined that the M2a Magnum model was defectively designed, and that led to premature hip failure. Around the same time, a federal judge in Missouri granted a $21 million judgment in a case against the M2A Magnum, for similar reasons, namely premature hip implant failure.
Zimmer Biomet argued for a new trial but was denied by the district court and, in a decision filed Aug. 24, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit affirmed or agreed with that denial.
What’s the Problem with Zimmer Biomet Hips?
Biomet MoM including the M2a and Magnum lines of hip implants had a high incidence of premature failure requiring the need for painful and costly hip revision. Injured? Call Dr. Malik Law Firm 214-390-3189
I am writing about Biomet metal hip implants to inform patients who have had various types of Biomet hip implants in place for more than 10 years and now running into problems with premature hip implant failure.
In 2014, another major orthopedic medical device maker, Zimmer Orthopedics, following U.S. Federal Trade Commission clearance, completed the acquisition of Biomet Orthopedics, and so the new company is known as Zimmer Biomet.
The Biomet M2a hip implant was one of several metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants that generated significant attention in the orthopedic medical community and among patients.
Biomet MoM line up included the M2a and Magnum models of hip implants, and these had a high incidence of premature hip failure requiring the need for painful and costly hip revision. These hip implants were touted to last up to 20 years, however most began to fail with a few years of implantation.
Biomet M2a Hip Implant
The metal-on-metal hip implants became popular with the orthopedic medical community during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were seen as a durable alternative to the traditional metal-on-plastic designs. The Biomet M2a was one of these MoM hip implants that was believed to offer increased durability and a broader range of motion.
Biomet released its M2a line of implant products in 1996, beginning with the M2a RingLoc. From 1999 to 2009, more than 110,000 M2a devices were implanted in patients.
The M2a Magnum Large Metal Articulation device was released in 2004 and became a best-selling device.
Biomet M2a Hip Implant Problems
Like other MoM implants, the Biomet M2a hip came under scrutiny due to concerns related to rapid wear and significant implant complications listed below, including premature hip implant failure.
Metallosis
This is a medical condition when microscopic metal particles are released from the hip implant due to friction between the metal ball and socket. With the wear and tear of the MoM design, there is a the release of metal ions into the bloodstream and the local tissues surrounding the hip joint. Elevated levels of chromium and cobalt ions could lead to systemic health issues in some patients. Metallosis can lead to inflammation, tissue necrosis, and even bone loss.
Pseudotumors
Pseudotumors are non-cancerous growths that can develop in response to the presence of metal particles. They can cause pain and complications if they press against nerves or blood vessels.
Premature Hip Implant Failure
MoM hips were supposedly designed to last at least 20 years if not the lifetime of the patient since all moving parts were made from high tensile strength steel compounds containing titanium, cobalt, and chromium.
There were many reports demonstrating a higher-than-expected failure rate with the Biomet M2a and other MoM implants, which resulted in the need for revision surgeries.
The Biomet Magnum is another MoM hip implant that drew attention, similar to other MoM designs.
Biomet Magnum Line of Hip Implants
The Biomet Magnum hip implants are part of Biomet’s metal-on-metal hip implant offerings. Marketed as a design that offers greater durability and a broader range of motion compared to traditional designs, the Magnum was intended to cater to younger and more active patients who needed hip replacements.
Biomet Magnum Hip Implant Design Features
The Biomet Magnum system featured a large diameter head which, in theory, provided increased stability and reduced the risk of dislocation. The large head, combined with the MoM design, was supposed to offer a more natural range of motion.
Biomet Magnum Hip Implant Failures
As with other metal-on-metal implants, the Magnum faced significant challenges and patient injuries. The Magnum design was also prone to metallosis, pseudotumor formation and premature hip implant failure requiring repeated hip surgery to remove and replace the defective implant.
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuits and Regulatory Actions
Due to these concerns mentioned above, many patients who experienced complications after receiving a Biomet M2a hip implant filed lawsuits. This led to many thousands of lawsuits and these hip implant failure cases were eventually settled.
Furthermore, the FDA increased its oversight of MoM implants, issuing post-market surveillance orders to manufacturers and later providing detailed guidance for patients and doctors regarding MoM hip systems.
Biomet Hip Implant Failure Summary
The Biomet M2a hip and Biomet Magnum implant story highlights the challenges and complexities of medical device innovation and serves as a painful reminder. While the initial intent was to provide a longer-lasting and better-performing implant, real-world practicalities demonstrated serious and life-threatening complications.
MoM implants reveals a notable failure of the medical device industry in the early 21st century.
The FDA in 2016 mandated premarket approval for MoM hip implants, and there are presently no FDA-approved metal-on-metal total hip replacement devices marketed in the U.S.
Injured by Biomet Hip Implant? Contact Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm
If you or a loved one had a Biomet Metal on Metal Hip Implant listed above and have suffered injuries or needed premature revision surgery with the device, contact the attorneys at Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights. You can speak with one of our representatives by calling 214-390-3189, or by filling out the case evaluation form on this page.
Our law firm’s principal office is in Dallas and we have offices in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr Shezad Malik Law Firm represents clients in dangerous drug and dangerous medical device lawsuits nationwide.
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