Defective Hip Replacement Lawsuit Overview

What Is the Hip Replacement Lawsuit?

Tens of thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against major hip implant manufacturers alleging that defective metal-on-metal hip replacement devices caused metal poisoning, premature failure, and the need for revision surgery. Major settlements totaling billions of dollars have been reached, with cases continuing against several manufacturers.

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures, but defective devices have caused serious complications for hundreds of thousands of patients. Multiple manufacturers have faced massive litigation.

Which Hip Implant Manufacturers Are Involved?

DePuy (Johnson & Johnson)

ASR Hip System — Recalled in 2010
ASR XL Acetabular System
Pinnacle Hip System — Multiple metal-on-metal versions
Pinnacle Ultamet

Stryker

Rejuvenate — Recalled in 2012
ABG II — Recalled in 2012
LFIT V40 Femoral Head — Recalled in 2016
Tritanium

Zimmer Biomet

Durom Cup
NexGen Knee
M/L Taper with Kinectiv Technology
Persona Knee

Smith & Nephew

R3 Acetabular System
BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing)
Modular Neck Hip Stems

Wright Medical

Conserve Plus Total Resurfacing
Profemur Hip Stems

What Caused the Problems?

The primary issues with defective hip implants include:

Metal-on-Metal Wear

Metal particles released as the components rub together
Cobalt and chromium entering the bloodstream
Tissue damage from metal debris
Pseudotumors forming around the implant
Bone destruction (osteolysis)

Design Defects

Modular components failing at junction points
Trunnion corrosion at the femoral head connection
Component loosening over time
Improper fit for some patient anatomy

What Injuries Are Linked to Defective Hip Implants?

Common complications include:

Metal poisoning (metallosis) — Elevated cobalt and chromium levels in blood
Device loosening — Implant becoming unstable
Pseudotumor formation — Mass of damaged tissue around implant
Bone loss (osteolysis) — Erosion of bone surrounding implant
Tissue and muscle damage
Need for revision surgery — Often complex
Chronic pain
Neurological problems from metal toxicity
Cardiac problems from cobalt poisoning
Hip dislocation
Infection

What Are Plaintiffs Alleging?

The lawsuits allege that manufacturers:

Knew about device failures but failed to warn doctors and patients
Concealed adverse event reports
Continued selling defective designs after problems emerged
Failed to adequately test new designs
Used aggressive marketing without disclosing risks
Profited at the expense of patient safety

Major Settlements

The hip replacement litigation has produced some of the largest medical device settlements in history:

Manufacturer	Product	Settlement	Year
DePuy	ASR Hip	$2.5+ billion	2013
DePuy	Pinnacle	$1+ billion	2018-2019
Stryker	Rejuvenate/ABG II	$1.4 billion	2014
Stryker	LFIT V40	$1+ billion	2018

Current Status of the Litigation

Multiple MDLs handle different cases:

DePuy ASR Hip: MDL 2197 — Northern District of Ohio
DePuy Pinnacle: MDL 2244 — Northern District of Texas
Stryker Rejuvenate/ABG II: MDL 2441 — District of Minnesota
Zimmer M/L Taper: MDL 2859 — Southern District of New York

While many cases have been settled, new filings continue for patients who recently discovered device failures or complications.

Why You Should Act Now

If you have a metal-on-metal hip implant or experienced complications:

Statutes of limitations vary by state
Medical records documenting the implant are essential
Blood tests for metal levels can support your case
Revision surgery records are critical evidence

A free case review costs nothing. If your hip implant failed or caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation.