Weitz & Luxenberg issues information on post hip surgery expectations
Defective femoral head replacement creates misery for thousands of seniors
At 75, Eleanor’s energy rivaled that of a much younger person. She was devastated when the pains in her pelvic region became severe enough to necessitate surgery. Eleanor was frightened, but her doctor assured her that her new DePuy femoral implant would grant her the strength necessary to engage in the physical activities she once relished in. Unfortunately, it did not quite work out that way.
Curiously, the DePuy motto is “never stop moving,” which is anything but true for thousands of patients across the United States as well as other parts of the world. DePuy estimated that of the 90,000 people implanted with one of the recalled hip devices, at least 10,000 have suffered complications, or will at some point in time.
In the days and weeks following surgery, Eleanor was plagued with hip pains that were similar to the ones she had experienced before receiving the implant. For the first time in her old age, she actually felt her age, which depressed her immeasurably. Day after day, Eleanor languished in her bed and dreaded having to get up to perform any task, including going to the bathroom, which was only a few feet away.
Traditional hip replacement surgery involves the implantation of a prosthetic femoral head. “The stem of the prosthesis is inserted into the femur bone, and the attached ball is attached to the acetabulum.” (CPMC) The artificial femoral head is supposed to fit securely, without compromising range of motion. If the artificial femoral head is dislodged due to a fall, or other mishap, the patient suffers terrible pain that can only be remedied through corrective surgery.
During one such journey, Eleanor’s left leg gave out and she tumbled onto the floor. As her left hip (the same one that had been operated on) made contact with the carpet, pain ripped through her. Her daughter rushed her to the hospital and Eleanor’s worst fears were realized. Her femoral head had slipped out of its socket, putting pressure on the surrounding muscle tissue and nerves.
Eleanor’s hopes for a speedy recovery were dashed. Her only option was revision surgery.
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the public abreast of important legal and medical information, Weitz & Luxenberg offers these pages, which are updated frequently with the latest available information. If you have experienced complications following hip replacement surgery, and would like to know what legal avenue to pursue, please contact Weitz & Luxenberg.
What can Eleanor expect after revision surgery?
For the most part, Eleanor will experience exactly what she did following her first hip surgery, including:
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Pain or other discomfort
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Extremely limited movement
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Lethargy
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Nausea
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Constipation (due to limited physical activity)
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Swelling around the site of surgery
Additionally, Eleanor will have to:
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Adhere to a strict liquid diet (till the doctor determines that she can consume solid foods again)
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Partake in additional physical therapy
Weitz & Luxenberg: Leading DePuy attorneys
Unfortunately, many people across the United States suffer from bone or joint diseases that affect the pelvis, and when medication is not an effective option, surgery is the only other alternative. Our firm understands that surgery can be a daunting experience, and we believe it is unacceptable when a person such as Eleanor has to undergo corrective surgery after receiving an ill performing hip device. If you have received a DePuy implant that has caused you physical, emotional and financial hardships, the qualified attorneys of the Defective Medications and Medical Devices Unit can be your legal advocates. Please contact us for further information.
Acknowledgments:
Georgetown University Hospital: http://www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/blank.cfm?id=555811
DePuy: http://www.depuy.com/
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