Parker Waichman LLP

Unexplained Pain after MoM Hip Replacement

  MoM Hip Replacement Caused Unexplained Pain. A recently published study demonstrated that single photon emission tomography/CT (SPECT-CT) can be useful in identifying the cause of pain in patients with unexplained pain after undergoing metal-on-metal hip replacement. Researchers identified 15 patients who had a total of 19 metal-on-metal hip replacement devices and were experiencing unexplained […]

MoM Hip Replacement

 

MoM Hip Replacement Caused Unexplained Pain. A recently published study demonstrated that single photon emission tomography/CT (SPECT-CT) can be useful in identifying the cause of pain in patients with unexplained pain after undergoing metal-on-metal hip replacement.

Researchers identified 15 patients who had a total of 19 metal-on-metal hip replacement devices and were experiencing unexplained pain. The researchers compared the patients before and after SPECT-CT, comparing each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan, Healio reports.

Using a chi-square test, the researchers assessed the utility of SPECT-CT to establish whether SPECT-CT data changed the diagnosis or treatment of patients’ pain. The researchers report that SPECT-CT was useful for all patients, with changes in clinical management decisions made in 13 of the 19 patients with unexplained pain.

The other six patients continued to have unexplained pain, but SPECT-CT confirmed the initial non-operative treatment plan should be continued. Following SPECT-CT, loosening was observed in three femoral stems and one acetabular cup and these four patients were advised to undergo revision surgery, Healio reports.

There was evidence of intracapsular joint fluid on the MRI

In one patient with a normal SPECT-CT, there was evidence of intracapsular joint fluid on the MRI, That patient was given a local anesthetic hip injection to relieve the pain, and the revision surgery was recommended.

In patients who receive metal-on-metal hip implants, when the hip’s metal components rub together during movement they create minute metallic debris that can enter the patient’s bloodstream and severely damage tissue and muscle, the New York Times reports.

In addition to metallic debris in the bloodstream, recipients MoM hips have reported injuries including pain, loosening of the joint, hip dislocation, difficulty walking, and cysts around the joint. Many of these patients have undergone additional surgery (revision surgery) to remove and replace metal hips with safer, more reliable models.

MoM hip implants have been problematic worldwide, with reports of higher than expected early failure rates for the devices and high rates of injuries and complications, which have led to additional surgery for many recipients, Consumers Union reports.

Manufacturers including DePuy Orthopaedics

Manufacturers including DePuy Orthopaedics, Biomet, Stryker, and Smith & Nephew have recalled their hips.

Thousands of hip recipients have sued device manufacturers over injuries and complications they allege are due to the MoM hips’ defective designs. Stryker and Biomet have reached settlements in multidistrict litigations over their MoM hips.

In October 2014, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENHIR) issued an opinion on the safety of metal-on-metal hip devices. SCENHIR recommended annual follow-up for the life of the joint for patients who receive large-head devices and for patients with special risk factors like small component size and female gender.

SCENHIR recommends all patients undergo clinical and radiographic examination during follow-up. The committee recommends metal ion testing on a routine basis for patients with large-head MoM hips and for hip resurfacing patients in the first postoperative years and thereafter depending on device performance.

The SPECT-CT study was published in April in the Journal of Arthroplasty. The researchers concluded that SPECT-CT should be reserved as a specialist test in cases where conventional investigations fail to identify potential causes of hip pain.

Need Legal Help Regarding MoM Hip Replacement?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness B Rollis was very kind, helpful and quickly returned calls regarding any questions I had.
Willie Matos
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very happy and grateful for the assistance to my case from the PARKER WAICHMAN law firm, very efficient and fast in solving my case. Many thanks to MARYAM GALLIZI for her kindness and commitment. 100% recommended.
Sandry Castro
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness
Natasha Wolf
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038