The possibility of being permanently confined in a wheelchair is now being faced by a man from Philadelphia, leading news reports say, after he underwent hip revision surgery. The man filed a complaint in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with claims against Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Orthopaedics. The plaintiff has had a hip revision done to replace the damaged hip implant.


However, he was informed thereafter that he might not be able to walk properly and may be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Now he is claiming that the manufacturer is liable of the damages done by its devices and is raring to receive payment for damages.

 

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Pinnacle Plaintiff Sues DePuy, Faces Confinement to Wheelchair From Injuries

The thigh bone meets the pelvis bone at the hips. The primary function of the hips is to support the weight of the body while standing or moving. This clearly shows how important they are for the body. For this reason, keeping it healthy is part of our duty. Of course, we cannot injuries from happening. Hip replacement surgery is one of the worst thing it could lead to|. Did you know that there are injuries resulting from hip replacement surgery? Due to many causes, these injuries may happen anytime.
 
Injuries resulting from hip replacement are important. However, we do not have control over it because we are non-medical people. Being informed about hip injuries where we can do something in terms of prevention is the best thing we can have. Let’s take a look at common hip injuries that may affect you.
 
Bursitis
 
Bursitis happens when one of the bursa sacs, which protects and cushion the joint, gets inflamed. There are many reasons why this can happen, either from arthritis or from an injury or infection, medical research says. Movements of the joint is being limited by this condition which can result to partial immobility.
 
Early treatment for bursitis involves the use of ice, getting enough rest, and taking in medicine for pain and swelling.
 
Dislocations
 
When there is dislocation, the joint is forced to the end of the bones and is out of position. Falls are the number one reason why this can happen resulting to immobility. It is easy to spot a dislocated joint because it is usually swollen and visibly out of place.
 
Treatment for dislocated joints depends on which joint was affected. Manipulations to reposition your bones, taking in of medicine, and using a splint or sling normally happens.
 
Fractures
 
Fractures happen when bones get broken. Normally, they are caused by injuries resulting from accidents but reasons like osteoporosis can happen which is a condition where weakening of the bones happen. When a fracture is present, out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint, swelling, bruising or bleeding, intense pain, numbness and tingling, and limited mobility or inability to move a limb are likely to happen.
 
Immediate medical attention is how fractures will be treated as a doctor is needed in keeping the bones in place.

Aside from fractures, it is evident that common hip injuries can be immediately treated in the comforts of the home. If we do not do what we can to control it, medical operations can be an option. As would people filing a Pinnacle lawsuit do, the public should be informed about operations resulting in injuries and who made the mistake in order to determine who would be answerable.

References:

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hipinjuriesanddisorders.html
nytimes.com/interactive/2011/10/01/business/injury-from-metal-debris-in-artificial-hips.html?ref=health

Surgery is an experience that could be traumatic especially if you will be faced with post-surgical complications. In any surgical operation, risks are always present and they can lead to debilitating conditions. Patients with DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement implants are included and they had to undergo revision surgeries to correct the complications. DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits that could cost Johnson and Johnson $1 Billion or more were filed by the aggrieved parties. Now, this "hip replacement manufacturer has a new product to offer".

Total Hip Replacement is a procedure done to get rid of the damaged hip joints and cartilage by replacing them with prosthetic devices. It has been proven that the risk for complications in hip replacement are relatively low but they do exist and usually occur after the operation when the patient is no longer under close medical attention.

Common Complications in Total Hip Replacement

Blood Clots

• Blood clots can be formed and can travel along the bloodstream with dangers of reaching the lungs (pulmonary emboli). Aspirin and other medications with similar mechanism of action is given to the patient for prevention.

Infection

• The surgical wound may be an entry for bacteria which could potentially lead to infection of the wound and the joints. Hygiene should be strictly observed when dealing with the wound and it should be checked by the doctor regularly. Although rare in healthy individuals, the most commonly affected are those with underlying diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic liver disease and people who are under corticosteroids. The implants can also be a long-term cause of infection. Antibiotics are usually given to patients especially if they have to undergo procedures like dental works.

Dislocation of the Hip

• Since the prosthetic devices appear to be smaller than the normal joints, they can easily dislodge from their original spot when in a certain type of position. Your doctor will instruct you of the things to avoid especially in positioning such as taking your knees to your chest. A body brace may be worn to avoid dislocation.

Bone deposits in Soft Tissues Around the Joints

• Heterotopic ossification is the term for this condition. This can limit the person’s range of motion and surgery has to be done if the limitation can be a hindrance to his/her everyday activities.

Loosening of the Artificial Hip Joint Parts

• This doesn’t usually show signs unless it is severe and can only be identified with X-ray tests. A revision surgery or another hip replacement will be necessary to repair this condition. This is the most common complaint of individuals who were able to have a DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device as their implant and now filing for a "Pinnacle lawsuit".