The Encore metal-on-metal hip implant has been linked to severe complications, including chronic pain, swelling, fluid build-up, and failure of the implant requiring revision surgery.
What You Can Do & How an Encore Hip Implant Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Encore hip implant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with metal poisoning or needed surgery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Encore Medical, a Texas-based medical device manufacturer, is now owned by DJO Surgical of San Diego, California. The company is one of five device-makers who sold metal-on-metal hip implants.
The Encore hip has a unique design. Unlike traditional metal-on-metal hips, it is designed with a metal insert on a polyethylene (plastic) liner. This is called a “poly sandwich” design. The liner is made of chromium and cobalt metal.
When this metal insert grinds against the metal head of the femoral component (the “ball” part of the implant), it creates a metal-on-metal joint.
What is the problem?
When the metal “ball and socket” grind together, tiny particles of chromium and cobalt can accumulate around the joint. Over time, these particles irritate tissues in the hip, causing inflammation, swelling, fluid build-up, and soft-tissue growths (pseudotumors).
Metal can also accumulate in the bloodstream, causing a severe complication known as metallosis (metal poisoning). This can lead to a variety of life-threatening systemic complications in other areas of the body.
Adverse Event Linked to Encore Hip
In October 2011, the FDA received a case report of a person who was severely injured when an Encore hip implant failed:
“Swelling, pain, and decreased mobility with increased blood serum cobalt … requiring occasional narcotic pain control medications. Continued and frequent pain and swelling at this point.”
510(k) Approval
Like most metal-on-metal hip implants, the Encore hip was approved by the FDA under the 510(k) “fast-track” approval process. This loophole allows manufacturers of new devices to avoid conducting rigorous safety studies, so long as their device is similar to another device on the market.
Unfortunately, just because a product is “similar” does not mean it is safe. Tens of thousands of people have filed lawsuits after they were severely injured by metal-on-metal hip implants. If you were injured, you are not alone.
Safety Risks
- Metal poisoning (metallosis)
- Elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in the bloodstream
- Infection
- Loosening or dislocation of the hip
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation and swelling
- Limited mobility or flexibility
- Pseudo-tumors
- Revision surgery
- And more
Do I have an Encore Hip Implant Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Encore hip implant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with metal poisoning or needed surgery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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