The many serious problems plaguing the Pinnacle hip replacement system have recently tarnished the reputation of its manufacturer, DePuy Orthopaedics. On November 30, 2010, one of the first lawsuits accusing the Pinnacle system as being defective was filed in California. The claim states that the device prematurely loosened from the patient’s hipbone, which caused her to suffer pain and a severe limp.Although these side effects may be fixed with corrective surgery, a patient undergoing hip replacement surgery never has the intention of having a second procedure done within a few years after the initial surgery, nor dealing with the subsequent recovery process.

As a relatively new device, metal-on-metal hip replacements are unlike the typical replacement devices that utilize a polyethylene liner in the socket part of the synthetic joint. Because these typical plastic devices have to be replaced every 12-15 years, medical manufacturers were motivated to find more durable alternatives to market to younger patients wanting to maintain an active lifestyle after surgery. As a result, metal-on-metal devices were developed, which offered added durability as an alternative to the typical plastic device.

The FDA has received over 1,300 complaints regarding the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement system. Although most of these complaints are about premature loosening of the device, a recent New York Times report has found that metal-on-metal devices, like Pinnacle, increase the risk of metallosis in recipients due to constant friction of the metal components, which release metal particles into the soft tissue surrounding the device or into the bloodstream. Though only one to three percent of patients are expected to develop metallosis, there are over 100,000 estimated procedures using metal-on-metal hip replacements every year, putting thousands of lives at risk. Metallosis can be a very dangerous condition, but may be cured completely without any lingering side effects if caught in the early stages. Patients need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of metal toxicity and should consult with a doctor immediately if the patient suspects any indication of metal toxicity.

Patients that have received the DePuy Pinnacle system experiencing pain or symptoms of metallosis have the option of pursuing a case against DePuy. DePuy has set aside as much as $1 billion in the past for those who have been affected. If you believe you are entitled to proper compensation because your quality of life has been affected, visit the DePuy Pinnacle recall website for a free case evaluation.