Home » Topics » Defective Medical Devices » Biomet Hip Replacements

Biomet Hip Replacements Side Effects May Result In Hip Fracture Lawsuits

Biomet Hip Replacements | Lawsuits, Lawyers | Side Effects: Hip Fracture, Hip Pain, Grinding Sensation, Limitation Of Motion | Defective Device, Faulty Component

In September 2001, the FDA announced that Biomet and seven other U.S. medical devices firms would recall hip implants because of problems with a component that can fracture and require surgical replacement. The faulty component is the zirconia ceramic femoral heads, which is the ball portion of artificial hips that is used in hip replacement surgery.

The Zirconia Ceramic Femoral Head was manufactured by St. Gobain Desmarquest of France. This femoral head was used in hip replacement products for Biomet and seven other medical manufacturers, including: Apex Surgical LLC, DePuy Orthopedics Inc., Encore Orthopedics Inc., Osteoimplant Technology Inc., Smith & Nephew Inc., Stryker Howmedica Osteonics and Zimmer Inc.

Symptoms of a fractured zirconia ceramic femoral head include hip pain, a sensation of grinding or limitation of motion. The fracture is sometimes preceded by an audible pop. The at-risk hips tend to break between 19 and 28 months after they have been implanted.

It is estimated that 6 percent of the 150,000 to 200,000 persons that undergo hip replacement surgery each year receive an artificial hip containing the zirconia ceramic femoral head. The recall applies to zirconia ceramic femoral heads manufactured since January 1998.

Legal Help For Victims Affected By Biomet Hip Replacements

If you or a loved one had a Biomet hip replacement and you suffered injuries, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified defective medical device attorney or call us at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).