Consumer Reports Calls for Hip Manufacturers to Provide Warranties

Photo Courtesy of Stryker

In the past years, there has been a huge increase in the number of young people getting hip and knee replacements.  In the past, these devices were reserved for the elderly, but as more and more people live and want to maintain active lifestyles, these implants are becoming an option for the young.

In fact, by the year 2030, Consumer Reports estimates that there will be approximately 4 million hip and knee replacement surgeries performed every year, with 50%  of those surgeries being performed on patients younger than 65.  The issue that then arises is that these implants must last for much longer and endure more wear and tear.

In order to address this problem and to encourage manufacturers to address the changing populations needing replacements, Consumers Union wants device manufacturers to provide warranties to consumers regarding their implants.  The group believes that doing so will:

• Remove the cost burden from the patient and put it back onto the manufacturers.  As of now, patients, insurance companies, and Medicare are responsible for paying for hip and knee revision and replacement surgeries.

• Help patients understand what to expect in terms of longevity and durability of the device.

• Help patients understand what procedures to follow if something does go wrong.

• Encourage manufacturers to make better and more durable devices since otherwise the cost of replacement will be on them.

Hip replacements are an expensive endeavor: they usually result in more complications, and longer hospital stays.  Approximately 18% of hip replacements are revision surgeries, a number which most would think is too high.  Especially given the fact that every major manufacturer of hip devices has recalled at least one product or line of products, there is much room for improvement.

Patient safety advocates also believe that these statistics could be much improved by changes in the FDA’s clearance process.  As of now, if device manufacturers can prove that their devices are substantially equivalent to other devices already on the market, then the new devices will be cleared.  This is a flawed system that has allowed too many dangerous and problematic devices onto the market.  More rigorous pre-market safety testing would prevent such devices from reaching the market in the first place.  However, the strong medical device industry has kept such changes from occurring.

Have you received a metal-on-metal hip implant and had to undergo a painful revision surgery?  Thousands of patients just like you have suffered serious side effects from their metal-on-metal hip implants, including pain, infection, metallosis, and revision surgery.  The hip implant attorneys at Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can provide you with the information you need to move forward.  Litigation is underway and you may be eligible for compensation.  It is critical that you speak with an experienced medical device attorney before you make any decisions.  Do not provide unnecessary information on manufacturer hotlines and helplines.  These companies are looking to limit your compensation and legal rights.  Click here to read more advice on what to do if your device manufacturer issues a recall.

Contact us today for a full case review.  We don’t see a dime until we recover compensation for you, so you have nothing to lose.