J&J Faces Lawsuits Over Pinnacle Hip Device

Johnson & Johnson faces some 1,600 lawsuits involving its Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip system, the successor to its all-metal DePuy ASR artificial hip whose high failure rate sparked a recall and numerous lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson set aside $3 billion to settle 3,000 lawsuits over ASR metal hips made by its DePuy Orthopedics unit but it has decided to fight the Pinnacle complaints, according to Reuters. Many patients with the Pinnacle device are experiencing the same problems as those who received the ASR hips, such as swelling, pain, dislocation, and limited mobility.

However, the company says the Pinnacle metal-on-metal system is very different from the ASR and that it is closely watching the performance of the Pinnacle hips.

Some doctors say the most serious issue for patients is the high levels of cobalt and chromium that may occur in the bloodstream from the wear of the metal hip replacements, according to Reuters. This may lead to neurological, cardiovascular, renal, and thyroid problems in patients, as well as destruction of their muscle, soft tissue, and bone.

Other companies that face similar issues with their metal-on-metal hips include Smith and Nephew, Wright Medical, Zimmer Holdings, and Biomet Inc.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a metal-on-metal hip replacement or another unsafe medical device, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: