Court Upholds $2.1 Million Verdict in Wright Hip Replacement Case

For years, defective metal-on-metal hip implants have been causing serious and permanent harm. On Monday, March 20, 2017, the 11th Circuit judicial bench affirmed the $2.1 million jury verdict in the first Wright Hip Implant trial.

Let’s take a look more about this case, and why it matters to others who’ve received metal-on-metal hip implants.

What was the Wright Hip Implant Trial About?

The Plaintiff in the trial is Robyn Christiansen, a former ski instructor and Utah resident. While in the middle of a yoga class, she heard a “crunch” and realized her hip implant had been dislodged. As a result, Christiansen underwent revision surgery. During her surgery, it was discovered that metal debris from the implant had spread to the surrounding soft tissue.

In the trial, Christiansen claimed that the Defendant’s hip replacement implant was defective and dangerous. Further, the Defendant failed to adequately test the device before introducing it to the public market. The Plaintiff also claimed that the Defendant failed to warn patients and doctors of the risks associated with the device and chose instead to aggressively market the product as an extremely durable implant, ideal for more active patients.

What are the Risks with Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants?

Other manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants have faced similar lawsuits. Many of these devices have been recalled, but there are thousands of people still walking around with these implants that could fail at any moment.

People with metal-on-metal implants manufactured by Stryker and Wright should be on the lookout for any signs of a defective hip implant. According to the FDA, the following symptoms, if experienced three or more months after surgery, may indicate that a hip implant is not functioning properly:

Hip, leg or groin pain;
Swelling at or near the hip joint;
Popping, grinding, clicking or squeaking sounds from the hip joint; and/or
A limp or change in mobility.

Also, patients should monitor for symptoms of metal poisoning. According to the FDA, the signs of metal toxicity include:

Impaired kidney function;
Thyroid problems, including weight gain, neck discomfort, fatigue and feeling cold;
Depression, cognitive impairment or other psychological issues;
Skin rashes;
Hearing or vision impairments; and
Cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle.

Make sure to educate yourself about the risks associated with metal-on-metal hip implants if you are considering one.

What Should I Do if I’ve Suffered from a Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement?

If you or a loved one has suffered after getting a metal-on-metal hip implant, please call our attorneys. You may be eligible to receive compensation. It’s always free for an initial consultation. See our defective products and medical malpractice pages for more information on the kind of services we offer.