Weitz & Luxenberg provides hip replacement surgery information

Weitz and Luxenberg is committed to providing the public with accurate information on hip replacement surgery, including what the procedure entails, why it is sometimes necessary and what the risks are.  We draw our information from credible medical sources, and our pages are updated frequently with the latest available information. If you have any questions about defective hip replacement devices, such as the controversial Depuy implants, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery, clinically referred to as hip arthroplasty, “is a surgical procedure that reforms the hip joint.” (E Health MD)  Weitz & Luxenberg understands that your hip replacement surgery was a daunting experience and that it was exacerbated by the pain and suffering you subsequently suffered.  Your medical professional should have informed you of what to expect, and should have made it their priority to ensure that your surgery was executed as safely and efficiently as possible.

What can go wrong following hip replacement surgery?

• Infection:  Medical professionals do what they can to minimize the risk of infection, but there is never a guarantee that infections will not occur. “Minor infections in the wound can be treated with medication, but more serious infections might call for a second operation.” (NIAMS)
• Loosening:  One of your prosthetic joints loosened, necessitating corrective surgery.
• Dislocation:  The ball of your prosthesis came out of its socket because it was ill fitting. Fortunately, you did not have to undergo additional surgery, but you had to wear a brace to correct the problem.
• Nerve and blood vessel injury:  The nerves surrounding your replaced joint became damaged during or after surgery (NIAMS).
• Blood Clots:  You suffered from post-surgical pain and swelling in your pelvic region due to blood clots. To relieve these, you doctor may have prescribed a blood thinning medication, or “special stockings, exercise and boots” (NIAMS) to facilitate faster blood flow.

You did your homework, but still suffered complications from your hip replacement surgery

You investigated the credentials of the medical professionals assigned to perform your surgery, in order to ensure that you received the highest quality of care possible. You did thorough research on the following:

• Was the medical professional board certified?
• How many years had the medical professional been practicing? Was the medical institution they worked for of good repute?
• How many surgeries had the medical professional performed? What was their rate of success? Did any of their patients suffer complications during and/or after the surgery was performed?
• Had the medical professional been involved in any medical malpractice lawsuits? If so, what was the severity of the medical malpractice?

Unfortunately, in spite of all your attempts to avoid them, you suffered complications following your hip replacement surgery. You did not realize that even the most thorough and extensive background check of a medical professional and/or the institution they work for, did not eliminate the possibility of problems down the line.

Who are the candidates for hip replacement surgery?

Contrary to popular belief, seniors are not the only candidates for hip replacement surgery. Many young people undergo the procedure, especially if they partake in sports or if they suffer from bone diseases which weaken the pelvis and/or femur. For more information, please see our hip replacements and young people section. 

 Contrary to popular belief, older people are not the only candidates for hip replacement surgery. Many young people undergo the procedure, due to bone disease which weaken the pelvis and/or femur, and sport injuries. For more information, please see our hip replacements and young people section. 

Weitz & Luxenberg can offer legal assistance to those suffering from defective hip replacements

Weitz & Luxenberg believes that extensive pain and suffering following hip replacement surgery, or any kind of surgery, is unacceptable. When you entrust a medical professional to execute your hip surgery, you should not have to endure months and years of senseless discomfort, frustration and diminished quality of life.

If you have suffered as a result of receiving a defective hip prosthesis, such as one of those manufactured by DePuy, please do not hesitate to contact Weitz & Luxenberg.

Acknowledgments:

E Health MD: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/totalhipreplacement/thr_whatis.html

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS):  http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Joint_Replacement/default.asp

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