If you or someone you know has received the Birmingham Resurfacing System (a metal-on-metal device), made by Smith & Nephew, you may be at risk of metallosis, osteolysis, tumors, and other complications. Smith & Nephew produced a variety of hip replacement and resurfacing products which have been subject to various lawsuits around the world. Moreover, the company issued a recall on several metal hip implants. As a result, patients suffering from complications may be eligible to file a lawsuit and receive compensation.
If you have received the Birmingham Resurfacing System and have had the femoral component revised to the Modular Femoral Head, you should consider talking to your surgeon and legal counsel.
Metallosis from Metal Hips
Metallosis (metal, chromium, or cobalt poisoning) occurs after metallic components from hip replacements rub against one another resulting in metal wear debris and metal ions being released into the surrounding tissue and blood stream. In some patients, this results in the development of tumors, adverse tissue reaction, osteolysis, and other complications. When the Birmingham Resurfacing System is converted to a total hip replacement, you should seek advice from your surgeon and legal counsel.
Metallosis often causes the following symptoms:
Because each person can react differently to high levels of cobalt, the symptoms of metallosis may vary. The symptoms of metallosis correspond to the level of metal ions in the blood and become more severe as the levels rise.
For a free consultation, call the Law Office of Andrew J. Pianka, LLC at 203-941-0706.