Dallas Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuit Review. I writing this Biomet hip implant lawsuit review to inform patients who have had various Biomet implants in place for more than 10 years and now running into problems with their hip implants. This article is a continuation of the article that I posted yesterday regarding metal-on-metal hip problems.
The Biomet M2a hip implant was one of several metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants that generated significant attention in the orthopedic medical community and among patients.
Biomet MoM including the M2a and Magnum lines of hip implants had a high incidence of premature failure requiring the need for painful and costly hip revision
Biomet M2a Hip Implant
The metal-on-metal hip implants became popular with the orthopedic medical community during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were seen as a durable alternative to the traditional metal-on-plastic designs. The Biomet M2a was one of these MoM hip implants that was believed to offer increased durability and a broader range of motion.
Biomet released its M2a line of implant products in 1996, beginning with the M2a RingLoc. From 1999 to 2009, more than 110,000 M2a devices were implanted in patients.
The M2a Magnum Large Metal Articulation device was released in 2004 and became a best-selling device.
Biomet M2a Hip Implant Problems
Like other MoM implants, the Biomet M2a hip came under investigation due to concerns related to rapid wear and significant implant complications
This is a medical condition when microscopic metal particles are released from the hip implant due to friction between the metal ball and socket. Metallosis can lead to inflammation, tissue necrosis, and even bone loss.
Pseudotumors are non-cancerous growths that can develop in response to the presence of metal particles. They can cause pain and complications if they press against nerves or blood vessels.
Premature Hip Implant Failure
MoM hips were supposedly designed to last at least 20 years if not the lifetime of the patient since all moving parts were made from high tensile strength steel compounds containing titanium, cobalt, and chromium.
There were many reports demonstrating a higher-than-expected failure rate with the Biomet M2a and other MoM implants, which resulted in the need for revision surgeries.
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuits and Regulatory Actions
Due to these concerns mentioned above, many patients who experienced complications after receiving a Biomet M2a hip implant filed lawsuits. This led to many thousands of lawsuits and these hip implant failure cases were eventually settled.
Furthermore, the FDA increased its oversight of MoM implants, issuing post-market surveillance orders to manufacturers and later providing detailed guidance for patients and doctors regarding MoM hip systems.
Biomet Orthopedics Response
Biomet, like other manufacturers, responded to the concerns by conducting its investigations and collaborating with regulatory bodies. The company also provided resources and guidance for physicians to monitor patients with the M2a and other MoM systems.
The Biomet Magnum is another metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implant that drew attention, similar to other MoM designs.
Biomet Magnum Line of Hip Implants
The Biomet Magnum hip implants are part of Biomet’s metal-on-metal hip implant offerings. Marketed as a design that offers greater durability and a broader range of motion compared to traditional designs, the Magnum was intended to cater to younger and more active patients who needed hip replacements.
Biomet Magnum Hip Implant Design Features
The Biomet Magnum system featured a large diameter head which, in theory, provided increased stability and reduced the risk of dislocation. The large head, combined with the MoM design, was supposed to offer a more natural range of motion.
Biomet Magnum Hip Implant Failures
As with other metal-on-metal implants, the Magnum faced significant challenges and patient injuries.
Metal Ion Release and Metallosis
With the wear and tear of the MoM design, there was the release of metal ions into the bloodstream and the local tissues surrounding the hip joint. Elevated levels of chromium and cobalt ions could lead to systemic health issues in some patients.
Pseudotumors and Local Tissue Reactions
The shedding of metal particles could lead to adverse local tissue reactions, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility, and the formation of pseudotumors as described above.
Biomet Hip Implant Device Failure
Many patients reported premature device failure, which necessitated painful and complicated revision surgeries.
Biomet Implant Lawsuits and Regulatory Actions
Like other MoM implants, the Biomet Magnum was subject to lawsuits due to reported severe complications. Patients who faced serious injuries after receiving the Magnum hip implant filed lawsuits. The outcomes varied, with many cases leading to settlements.
In response to the general concerns about MoM implants, regulatory bodies including the FDA, worldwide took a closer look at these devices, with some recommending phased withdrawals or increased patient monitoring.
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuits and Trial Verdicts
Biomet, like several other manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants, faced thousands of lawsuits resulting from complications patients experienced after receiving their hip implants. These complications included premature device failure, metallosis, tissue damage, and the need for painful and costly revision surgeries.
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuits
Numerous patients reported issues with Biomet’s M2a Magnum metal-on-metal hip implant, including pain, swelling, loss of mobility, and other complications. Many of these complications were believed to be linked to the metal-on-metal design of the implant.
Biomet Multidistrict Litigation MDL
Given thousands of lawsuits against Biomet related to the M2a and Magnum line of hip implants, these personal injury cases were consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. MDL is a procedure used in the federal court system to consolidate and process multiple cases across different districts that have similar claims.
Biomet Hip Implant Lawsuit Settlements
Initial Settlement 2014
In early 2014, Biomet announced a $56 million settlement to resolve many of the claims in the MDL. This agreement provided an average payment of $200,000 for plaintiffs who underwent revision surgery to replace their M2a Magnum hip implants.
Additional Biomet Hip Lawsuit Settlements
After the initial 2014 settlement, additional lawsuits were filed against Biomet and many of these were settled on an individual basis. These settlement amounts remain confidential.
Biomet Implant Individual Trials and Verdicts
While many cases were settled as part of the MDL process, some went to trial. The outcomes varied based on individual circumstances, the evidence presented, and the specific legal arguments made.
Biomet faced legal actions outside the U.S. as well. For instance, in the UK and Australia, patients sought compensation for alleged complications related to Biomet’s metal-on-metal hip implants. The outcomes of these cases might differ based on local laws and regulations.
Biomet Orthopedic Response
Biomet, while agreeing to settlements, often did so without admitting liability or wrongdoing. The company maintained that its hip implants were designed and manufactured appropriately and that they provided adequate warnings about potential risks.
In 2014, another major orthopedic medical device maker, Zimmer Orthopedics, following U.S. Federal Trade Commission clearance, completed the acquisition of Biomet Orthopedics.
Biomet Hip Implant Failure Conclusion
The Biomet M2a hip and Biomet Magnum implant saga underscores the challenges and complexities of medical device innovation and serves as a painful lesson. While the original intent behind MoM designs was to provide a longer-lasting and better-performing implant, real-world outcomes revealed serious and life-threatening complications. It’s a sober and poignant reminder of the need for ongoing rigorous, long-term post-market surveillance of orthopedic implants.
Injured by Biomet Hip Implant? Contact Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm
If you or a loved one had a Biomet Metal on Metal Hip Implant listed above and have suffered injuries or needed premature revision surgery with the device, contact the attorneys at Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights. You can speak with one of our representatives by calling 214-390-3189, or by filling out the case evaluation form on this page.
Our law firm’s principal office is in Dallas and we have offices in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr Shezad Malik Law Firm represents clients in dangerous drug and dangerous medical device lawsuits nationwide.
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