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Wellbutrin Class Action Lawsuit

May 11, 2011 By admin

Wellbutrin is a popular, FDA-approved antidepressant medication that is believed to contribute to a host of congenital defects. Families are currently filing individual lawsuits and there is no national Wellbutrin class action lawsuit covering all cases. Women who take this drug while pregnant are more likely to give birth to babies who suffer from birth defects of the heart, lungs, cranium, and abdomen. Some Wellbutrin side effects pose mild consequences, and can be treated relatively easily. Others introduce serious complications that can become fatal if they are left unresolved.

We’ll describe the most common Wellbutrin birth defects below, and briefly explain how they are addressed. Along the way, you’ll come to appreciate why many parents of infants suffering from the following problems have considered filing a Wellbutrin birth defects lawsuit.

Holes In The Septum

The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reported on a study that revealed a link between prenatal use of Wellbutrin and heart defects. Among the many types of congenital heart problems caused by the prescription drug were holes in the septum. The septum is a wall of tissue that sits between the left atrium and ventricle (upper and lower chambers, respectively) and the right atrium and ventricle.

Normally, the left-sided chambers are filled with oxygen-rich blood. It is pushed from the heart, and travels throughout the body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues. The right-sided chambers are filled with oxygen-poor blood. It has been depleted of oxygen, and must be replenished by the lungs before circulating to the body again. The septum prevents blood from both sides from mixing.

A hole that develops in the wall between the two atria is called an atrial septal defect. Similarly, a hole between the two ventricles is called a ventricular septal defect. These holes allow blood to mix, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and many other symptoms.

Most atrial septal defects can be addressed with a catheter technique designed to “plug” the holes. When such a technique proves ineffective, surgery is usually required. Small ventricular septal defects often close on their own. Larger holes typically require surgery.

Premature Closure Of The Skull

This Wellbutrin birth defect is called craniosynostosis. The sutures (fibrous joints) of the baby’s skull close and fuse together too early, impairing the brain’s growth and development. This can lead to several side effects. For example, the baby’s head may take on an unusual shape; the head may develop more slowly than the rest of the body; and intracranial pressure can build to the point that the infant suffers seizures and brain damage.

Treatment for craniosynostosis is given with the goal of reducing pressure on the brain, and correcting abnormalities in the skull’s shape. Surgery is performed to reshape the skull by separating and refusing the individual plates.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

As a baby develops in the womb, her lungs are unnecessary for oxygenating blood. This is because she receives oxygen through the placenta. Blood that will be carried through the pulmonary artery to her lungs following childbirth is rerouted back to her heart via a blood vessel known as the ductus arteriosus. When the baby is born, her body adopts a normal circulatory pattern.

Sometimes, the baby’s body fails to adapt after birth; her blood continues to bypass her lungs. Unfortunately, the placenta is no longer available to supply oxygen, which causes her body’s oxygen level to decline. This condition is known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). If it is not treated, it can lead to respiratory distress and cyanosis.

Treatment for PPHN involves connecting the baby to a breathing machine, and providing an alternative source of oxygen (e.g. oxygen mask, ventilator, etc). Medications are also administered. If the infant’s body fails to adopt a normal circulatory pattern on its own, an approach called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is taken. An artificial lung is used to oxygenate the blood.

The three conditions described above represent a small portion of the numerous Wellbutrin birth defects that can affect babies. They are among the most common, and each warrants medical attention. If your child has suffered health problems due to exposure to this SSRI drug, you may be able to file a Wellbutrin lawsuit. Contact an experienced Wellbutrin birth defects lawyer to discuss your case. There is no national Wellbutrin lawsuits class action.

Filed Under: Antidepressant Birth Defects

Lexapro Class Action Lawsuit

May 11, 2011 By admin

Lexapro (escitalopram), is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It had been approved by the FDA to treat depression, and is used off label to treat generalized anxiety disorder (also known as GAD). This drug works by increasing serotonin, which a chemical in the brain that maintains mental balance. We are currently investigating individual lawsuits for families affected by Lexapro birth defects and there is no national Lexapro class action lawsuit covering all cases.

Lexapro and other SSRI antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), as well as other congenital heart defects. In a study that was released by the New England Journal of Medicine, infants whose mothers took Lexapro during their pregnancy were up to 6 times more likely to be born with Lexapro birth defects involving PPHN than mothers who did not take the antidepressant. The statistics show that the likelihood of PPHN rose to 12 cases per 1,000 births.

In addition to PPHN complications, SSRI drugs have been associated with a host of other serious birth defects such as: ventricular septal defects (hole in the heart), atrial septal defects (hole in the heart), hypoplastic left heart syndrome, coartication of the aorta, Shone’s Complex, and a host of other serious conditions. Some of these disorders range from a minor heart murmur, to extremely serious heart defects that require corrective surgery, or even a heart transplant.

Lexarpo Class Action Lawsuit

A Lexapro class action lawsuit would be quite different from a standard, more typical individual lawsuit involving Lexapro. In a Lexapro class action suit, a large group of plaintiffs would gather to form a single plaintiff for the purposes of the lawsuit. This plaintiff would bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Lexapro. In a class action lawsuit for a defective drug, the plaintiffs would be joined even though each separate plaintiff may have a very different list of injuries. Some plaintiffs for instance, may have a heart murmur that does not require surgery, and another plaintiff may have required a complete heart transplant. All plaintiffs would share equally in the award or settlement.

If you took Lexapro during your pregnancy, and your child has suffered a birth defect, you are likely angry and emotionally devastated. It is important to speak with a skilled Lexapro lawyer to educate yourself on your rights in this matter. It is important to know that in cases involving SSRI birth defects, many of these defects will require surgery. Heart surgery is typically required shortly after birth in many instances, and can be required more than once as a child grows. A skilled Lexapro lawyer will be aware of this and calculate the lifetime cost that a birth defect will cause. The manufacturer of Lexapro should be held responsible for the harm their drug has caused, including paying medical expenses, current and future,

If you have a child that has been injured by Lexapro, contact the Lexapro Birth Defects Lawsuits Center for advice and information. We can provide you with a free consultation free of charge and discuss the latest Lexapro lawsuit 2011 news and litigation updates.

Filed Under: Antidepressant Birth Defects

Paxil Class Action Settlement

May 11, 2011 By admin

Many women whose babies have been born with birth defects have looked into the possibility of filing a Paxil birth defect lawsuit. Cases are currently being filed by individual families and there has not been any Paxil class action settlement. According to a Public Health Advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 8, 2005, prenatal use of Paxil increases the risk of congenital heart defects. This warning was based on information resulting from a Swedish study. Researchers found that pregnant women who take the antidepressant during their first trimester are far more likely to have babies who suffer from one or more heart problems.

The FDA notes that most common cardiac malformations are holes that develop in the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart. But there are many additional Paxil heart defects that may occur. We’ll describe the most serious among them below.

Atrial And Ventricular Septal Defects

The wall separating the two sides of the heart is called the septum. It prevents deoxygenated blood in the right side from mixing with oxygen-rich blood in the left side. The holes mentioned earlier are called atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs) to reflect the chambers between which the holes develop. The atria are positioned above the ventricles.

When a hole forms in the septum, blood from both sides is allowed to mix. In addition to shortness of breath and fluid buildup in the lungs, this problem can lead to several serious complications. These include pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, and right-sided heart failure.

As noted, ASDs and VSDs are the most common Paxil heart birth defects. While small holes may be absent of symptoms, a large hole can be life-threatening.

Cardiomyopathy

Paxil, as well as other SSRI antidepressants, can also cause a baby’s heart to weaken. The heart becomes less capable of pumping blood effectively, both to her lungs and the rest of her body. This can cause breathing difficulties, abdominal bloating, an abnormally rapid heartbeat, and swelling in her lower extremities.

The condition can be treated with medications and surgery. In severe cases, if treatment is not given, the baby may suffer heart failure or cardiac arrest.

Hypoplastic Left And Right Heart Syndromes

These rare birth defects are defined by a lack of development in one side of the heart. The affected side becomes less able to pump blood. With hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left side is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the body. The right side is forced to maintain circulation. With hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS), the right side is unable to pump enough blood to the lungs. As a result, the baby’s body receives too little oxygen.

Heart Valve Problems

The heart is equipped with valves that help regulate the flow of blood as it moves between the chambers; from the right side to the lungs; and from the left side to the aorta. These valves can become compromised as the result of early prenatal use of Paxil.

For example, a congenital defect known as a bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve that is missing one of its three leaflets. Tricuspid valve stenosis is a condition in which the opening of the valve is narrower than normal. A cleft mitral valve is a defect in which a slit in the opening allows regurgitation (back flow of blood). These problems are rarely fatal. However, without treatment, they can have a lasting effect on a baby’s life.

There are additional Paxil side effects in children that affect the heart, such as tetralogy of Fallot (a combination disorder involving four concurrent heart defects). The antidepressant can also cause congenital defects that impact other areas of the body, including the brain and abdomen. If your child is suffering from health problems that have resulted from Paxil birth defects, you may be eligible to file a Paxil lawsuit 2011 claim. Contact an experienced Paxil side effects attorney to discuss your options and the latest Paxil birth defect settlement news.

Filed Under: Antidepressant Birth Defects

Merck Propecia Lawsuits

May 11, 2011 By admin

For many males, the prospect of losing their hair as they age is daunting. News of medicines that can deter hair loss can sound promising, but unfortunately for men who take Propecia, the side effects can be even more devastating than the original concern. Men suffering from permanent Propecia side effects have started filing Merck Propecia lawsuits.

About Male Pattern Baldness

Hair loss can take place in many forms, but many men develop a pattern of baldness, particularly on top and front of the head and along the hairline. Both genetics and hormones play a part in hair loss. A family history of hair loss plays a significant role in being susceptible to male pattern baldness. In addition, changes in hormones affect hair growth. The male hormone, called dihydrotestosterone or DHT, naturally occurs in the body, and in some people, it can shrink the hair follicles until they no longer produce visible hair.

Male pattern baldness is indeed a common occurrence; research indicates that 50% of men will have some type of hair loss by the time they reach the age of 50.

Propecia for Baldness

Propecia, with the generic name of Finasteride, was approved by the FDA 1997 as a once-a-day pill to help slow hair loss. Propecia worked by blocking the production of DHT, therefore allowing the hair follicles to remain large enough to grow hair. Results were very encouraging as men found that Propecia helped increase hair growth on the crowns of their heads.

Short-term Propecia Side Effects

Propecia warned that, like most prescription medications, some side effects could occur. One of the strongest warnings was for women. Women were warned not to take Propecia themselves. Furthermore, women who were pregnant or who might become pregnant should not handle a crushed or broken capsule because the medicine, which affects the male hormone, could harm the sex organs of a male baby.

Propecia’s manufacturer, Merck, also warned that additional side effects could occur, including allergic reactions, breast tenderness and testicular pain. A small percentage of patients who had taken Propecia had experienced sexual side effects, however, Merck said, these symptoms disappeared once the patients stopped taking the medicine.

Long-term Propecia Side Effects

Although the manufacturers of Propecia say any sexual side effects stop once the men stop taking the medicine, one group of men who used Propecia for hair loss are still undergoing long-term side effects, years after they stopped using the medicine.

A new study of 71 men who used Propecia indicates that over 90% of the group had side effects including low libido, erectile dysfunction and decreased arousal. Nearly 70% of the group had problems with orgasms. Although patients were told that these symptoms would dissipate, these men continued to have symptoms an average of 40 months after discontinuing the medicine.

If you have taken Propecia and have suffered long-term or permanent Propecia erectile dysfunction side effects please contact us for a free, confidential no-obligation consultation. We are currently investigating Propecia lawsuit claims on behalf of men who have suffered permanent side effects involving erectile dysfunction problems. There is currently no national Propecia class action lawsuit.

For the latest news and updates and information on filing a Propecia lawsuit please call or e-mail us today.

Filed Under: Propecia Lawsuits

Propecia Class Action Lawsuit

May 11, 2011 By admin

For men who have used Propecia, erectile dysfunction can be an unexpected, devastating and permanent side effect. We are currently investigating individual Propecia lawsuit claims for men suffering from permanent sexual side effects. There is no national Propecia class action lawsuit covering all cases.

Propecia and Hair Loss

Propecia, also known generically as Finasteride, has been prescribed to millions of men to treat male pattern baldness. By the time men reach the age of 50, half of them will have some type of hair loss. It may be a recession of the hairline, or a thinning in the crown on the head. Scientists believe that hair loss is due partly to genetics and partly to male hormones. A particular hormone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) affects the hair growth. For men who become sensitive to DHT, the hair grows more slowly and becomes thinner.

Propecia works by blocking DHT in the scalp, encouraging hair growth. The drug may take up to three months before results can be seen. Furthermore, the results last only while the drug is being taken. Once Propecia is discontinued, its benefits will diminish and eventually end.

Propecia and Erectile Dysfunction

Because Propecia affects the male hormone, DHT, it also can affect other male functions. In its own literature, Propecia manufacturer, Merck, cautions that Propecia side effects in men can include breast tenderness and growth, testicular pain and, most seriously, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and difficulty with orgasm.

Propecia’s website acknowledges that these problems can occur, but says that the symptoms will stop once the medicine is discontinued. Unfortunately, a number of men who have taken Propecia have found that not to be true.

In a recent study of 71 healthy men who had taken Propecia, over 90% experienced erectile dysfunction. What’s most startling is that even after the men discontinued the medicine, they still had long-term problems that lasted years later. Other research questions if the numbers of those affected are even larger than initially thought.

Propecia, which is prescribed to men 18 and over, can disrupt the sexual function during the main years for dating, marriage and growing a family. Men who took Propecia to counter hair loss and then experienced long-term or permanent erectile dysfunction, may now have little choice but to cope with both hair loss as well as continued sexual side effects.

Merck Propecia Lawsuits
While researchers have not found a sure way to reverse the Propecia side effects, men who are affected by the drug can arm themselves with information about their legal options. We are currently investigating lawsuit claims on behalf of men who have had permanent sexual side effects as a result of taking Propecia. If you would like a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, we can help. Please contact us for filing deadlines for Merck Propecia lawsuits and to answer any of your questions. There is currently no national Propecia class action lawsuit covering all claims based on permanent sexual side effects.

Filed Under: Propecia Lawsuits

Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011

May 11, 2011 By admin

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can range from mild shortness of breath to pulmonary infarction (i.e. death of the lung tissue). Their severity depends largely on the extent of the blockage. In some cases, typically when blood clots in the lungs are small, symptoms are absent. In other cases, a massive occlusion of the pulmonary arteries can result in sudden death. If you have suffered from a blood clot please contact us for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 news.

The condition can be addressed with varying forms of treatment, including the use of blood thinners, thrombolytic drugs, and even surgery for life-threatening blockages. But these represent solutions that are administered after Nuvaring side effects caused by a PE has already occurred. When possible, doctors will seek to prevent the lung arteries from becoming blocked in the first place. One of the methods for doing so is to install a vena cava filter. Understanding how it prevents PE requires knowing how blood clots reach the lungs.

From The Legs To The Lungs: What Causes A PE?

Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by clots that arrive in the lungs after forming in the legs. These clots develop in the deep veins of the calves and thighs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep veins are buried among your leg muscles, which contract whenever you move. When the muscles contract, they squeeze the deep veins and propel oxygen-poor blood toward your heart. Thus, they play an important role in your body’s circulatory system.

When clots are present within your leg veins, the squeezing activity of the surrounding muscles can dislodge them from the venous lining. This allows the clots to roam freely, carried along with your bloodstream.

The deep veins in your legs connect to a large central vein called the inferior vena cava. Blood travels from your lower extremities through this single vein on its way to your heart and lungs. When Nuvaring blood clots become dislodged, they are left free to travel along this same route.

The inferior vena cava feeds blood into the right side of your heart. Blood is then pumped into the pulmonary arteries to receive oxygen. Clots, too, can be pumped into the arteries where they become lodged and create a blockage. If they prevent blood from reaching the underlying tissue, you will experience a pulmonary embolism.

If you already have a DVT, and your doctor suspects you are in danger of suffering a PE, he or she may recommend a vena cava filter.

Installation Of A Vena Cava Filter

Because of its appearance, the filter is often called an umbrella. It is metal and functions like a net that traps emboli (i.e. migrating clots) as they move through the vena cava toward your heart. Trapping clots prevents them from reaching your lungs and blocking one of your pulmonary arteries.

The filter is deployed through a catheter. Your doctor may administer general anesthesia or a local anesthetic prior to its installation to prevent discomfort. An incision is made into the groin or arm (and less commonly in the neck) and the catheter is inserted with the umbrella attached to its tip. The umbrella remains collapsed while your doctor guides the catheter into your vena cava toward the targeted deployment site. When the site is reached, the filter is opened and the catheter is removed. The entire procedure can normally be completed in less than an hour.

With the filter installed, wandering clots become trapped while blood is allowed to flow through unobstructed. Emboli that are caught in the umbrella often begin dissolving on their own; if they do, they present few problems. If the trapped clots fail to dissolve, the filter may eventually need to be withdrawn and emptied before being reinstalled.

Nuvaring Lawsuit 2011
A pulmonary embolism is considered a medical emergency since a large blockage can cause extensive lung damage. If you or someone you know has suffered from blood clots, DVT, pulmonary embolism, or other Nuvaring side effects, find out about your legal rights. Contact a Nuvaring lawyer to discuss your options and for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit settlements news.

Filed Under: Nuvaring Side Effects

Nuvaring Class Action Lawsuit

May 11, 2011 By admin

The formation of blood clots are due to the hormones estrogen and etonogestrel, an active derivative of desogestrel. We are currently filing individual lawsuits for women suffering from Nuvaring side effects. There is no national Nuvaring class action lawsuit covering all claims. Both hormones are released into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. A study published in August 2009 by the British Medical Journal revealed that contraceptives containing estrogen and desogestrel pose a 7.3-fold increase in the risk of clotting (over non-use). These blood clots can cause several dangerous Nuvaring side effects, many of which are described below.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which clots form within the deep veins of your body. This typically occurs within the femoral and popliteal veins of your legs, though it can also affect your arms and pelvis. Clots within these blood vessels can cause circulation problems that lead to pain and swelling. However, there are other concerns that are more serious.

These veins are squeezed by muscles that contract whenever you move your legs. These contractions may cause clots (or, thrombi) to break away from the venous wall. Left unattached, they become free to travel with your bloodstream to your lungs.

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a condition caused by DVT. It is defined by valvular incompetence within your veins (typically in the legs). Your deep veins are equipped with one-way valves that are responsible for preventing blood from pooling. These valves suffer inflammation when clots form near them. When they become inflamed, they fail to properly regulate the flow of blood, allowing it to pool within your legs. This causes pain and swelling, and may even lead to sores and skin ulcers.

Pulmonary Embolism

As noted earlier, thrombi that form in the deep veins of your legs can break free (i.e. embolize) and migrate to your lungs. Your lung tissue is supplied with blood by your pulmonary arteries. Blood flows into these arteries from the right side of your heart. Clots that have entered your heart and moved into the pulmonary arteries can block them and prevent blood from reaching your lung tissue. This triggers a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.

Pulmonary Hypertension

An embolus may cause a partial blockage in a pulmonary artery, and thus restrict the flow of blood to your lungs. This causes the right side of your heart to work harder in order to push blood through the restricted opening. As a result, pressure within your lungs will increase, causing a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. This can eventually lead to heart failure.

Heart Arrhythmias

Occasionally, pulmonary hypertension due to Nuvaring blood clots can result in a heart arrhythmia. Depending on its severity, it can cause breathing difficulties and lightheadedness, especially following physical exertion. A particularly troubling form of arrhythmia is called atrial fibrillation, which is defined by fluttering in the upper chambers (i.e. atria) of the heart. This fluttering may allow blood to pool within the left atrium, setting the stage for the formation of clots.

Heart Attack

Your heart is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your coronary arteries, which descend across the muscle’s surface from the aorta. Blood flows into the aorta upon leaving the left ventricle (i.e. lower chamber of the heart). If clots have formed within the left atrium or ventricle – as can occur with atrial fibrillation – they can migrate into a coronary artery and form a blockage. This causes a portion of your heart muscle to be deprived of oxygen and blood. You will experience a myocardial infarction.

Ischemic Stroke

Blood clots that emerge in the aorta and bypass the coronary arteries may travel toward your brain. Your brain tissue is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by your carotid arteries. If an embolus migrates into one of these arteries and blocks the flow of blood, the underlying brain tissue will starve. You will suffer a stroke.

Each of the Nuvaring side effects described above are caused by blood clots. Each is dangerous, and in the case of some (e.g. pulmonary embolism), potentially fatal. If you have suffered clotting or any of its dangerous byproducts after using the birth control ring, contact an experienced lawyer to discuss your options and for the latest Nuvaring lawsuit settlements news. You may have the right to file a Nuvaring lawsuit 2011 claim against the manufacturer. There is no national Nuvaring class action lawsuit covering all cases.

Filed Under: Nuvaring Side Effects

Zimmer NexGen Knee Lawsuit

May 11, 2011 By admin

Patients suffering from NexGen knee failure problems are filing Zimmer NexGen knee lawsuit claims to help compensate for outstanding medical bills and the pain and suffering associated with having additional surgeries. Surgical cement has been used to implant knee replacements for more than fifty years. Over that time, it has proven to be an effective method of fixation. Cementless (often called “press-fit”) implantation is a more recent development. It has been used increasingly over the past twenty years. The Zimmer knee recall issued by the FDA in September 2010 addressed the tibial plate, a component designed to be fixated with or without bone cement. We’ll describe the key issues concerning both methods of implantation below.

Fixating The Prosthesis With Surgical Cement

Bone cement was originally used in total knee arthroplasty as a substitute for ligaments (i.e. bands of connective tissue). The knee joint relies on four ligaments to keep the bones in place: the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and the lateral and medial collateral ligaments. During knee arthroplasty, one or more of these ligaments may need to be removed. Bone cement is used to hold the implant in place.

The cement is applied between the surfaces of the tibia and femur, and the tibial and femoral components (respectively). Even though the bones need to be shaped prior to receiving the prosthesis, the cement is forgiving of irregularities on both surfaces. Once applied, the material hardens quickly. It can support the patient’s weight on the same day of the procedure.

One of the issues with cemented fixation is that the cement may begin to break apart due to load and wear. Small pieces may separate from the implant, contaminating nearby tissue.

Another potential problem is that the tibial component may sink into the top of the tibia. This occurs because the hard, bony surface of the tibia is removed prior to implantation of the tibial piece. Underneath the hard bone lies softer bone. Over time, the weight placed on the knee can cause the tibial plate to sink into it. Because the load is often distributed unevenly, this can lead to loosening of the prosthesis.

To clarify, this problem can occur with cemented and cementless knee replacements. In the former case, the cement acts as a mild buffer.

Implanting The Zimmer Knee Replacement Without Cement

Cementless fixation of the tibial and femoral components is less common than cemented fixation. The method requires the patient to have healthy bone stock, which is often an obstacle for older recipients. The implant is designed with a porous, textured contact surface. The tibia and femur grow into this surface, fusing with it.

This form of implantation is as stable as using cement. Once the patient’s bone has grown into the prosthesis, it can be expected to hold the tibial and femoral components in place. Data show that a knee replacement that has been implanted without cement will usually last as long as one implanted with it.

One of the drawbacks of cementless implantation is that the bone may become less stable as the result of debris that flakes off from the prosthesis. This debris is generated by friction. Whenever the patient moves her knee, the cobalt-chromium components rub against the polyethylene spacer that sits atop of the tibial plate. This generates particulate matter, which can cause inflammation in the joint, and eventually harm the bone.

While this problem can also occur with cemented fixation, it has a greater impact here. Debris, along with the body’s immune system, can create a situation that compromises the bony ingrowth that holds the prosthesis in place. If this occurs, the implant will loosen. This is one of the complications that prompted the FDA’s Zimmer knee recall of the tibial plate in 2010.

Zimmer NexGen Knee Lawsuit
The issues that plague the recalled tibial component of the NexGen knee replacement are believed to also affect the femoral component. This is the reason many experienced orthopedic surgeons have urged the manufacturer to announce a broader Zimmer knee recall. If you are experiencing knee pain, joint loosening, or other serious NexGen knee failure side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact a Zimmer lawsuit knee attorney to learn more about your options. We are currently filing individual lawsuits on behalf of patients and there is not national Zimmer class action lawsuit covering all cases.

Filed Under: Zimmer Knee Recall

Zimmer Class Action Lawsuit

May 10, 2011 By admin

Patients suffering from a defective Zimmer NexGen have started filing individual lawsuits and there is no national Zimmer class action lawsuit covering all cases. Orthopedic surgeons warn patients receiving knee implants that their prostheses can be expected to loosen after fifteen years. This problem can occur for a number of reasons, including infection, bone deterioration and resorption, and most commonly, mechanical failures. The CR-Flex knee implant manufactured by Zimmer Orthopaedics has been known to loosen much earlier – often, within two years of implantation. This is one of the reasons prominent orthopedists have urged the joint manufacturer to announce a wide-scale Zimmer knee recall.

Premature loosening is a serious complication with total knee arthroplasty. Not only does it cause immediate pain in the compromised joint, but it also accelerates the breakdown of the patient’s bone stock. Below, we’ll describe the symptoms of knee implant loosening, and highlight the factors that play a role.

Signs Of Premature Loosening Of The Prosthesis

If the tibial or femoral component of your NexGen CR-Flex implant becomes loose, you will experience one or more side effects. The severity of the symptoms is determined by the amount of loosening in the joint. Patients in whom the prosthesis has just begun to shift may feel minor stiffness in the knee. This stiffness will usually persist throughout the day.

Recipients with knee implants that have sustained extensive loosening will encounter more intense pain. This pain will begin in the site of implantation, but spread into the surrounding area as loosening becomes progressively worse. Some patients may have difficulty moving and placing their entire weight on the failing prostheses. Many develop a pronounced limp due to the discomfort that accompanies walking.

If you suspect that your Zimmer knee implant has become loose, ask your doctor to take x-rays of the joint. The images will reveal spaces between the bone and the tibial or femoral components. These spaces will often fill with connective tissue.

What Causes Loosening In The Zimmer Knee Implant?

There are many possible reasons your NexGen knee replacement can loosen prematurely. Earlier, we mentioned the bone of the joint may deteriorate or experience resorption. In the former case, a loose tibial or femoral piece can damage the surface of the tibia or femur (respectively). Sometimes, tiny fractures will form, causing the joint to becomes less stable.

With resorption, the bone to which the prosthesis is attached breaks down due to exposure to foreign particles. These particles flake off from the tibial and femoral components as well as the polyethylene spacer. The body attempts to “clean” the area of this foreign debris by initiating an autoimmune response. This response causes resorption.

It is also noteworthy that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class 2 Zimmer knee recall in September 2010. The recall was announced due to complaints of premature loosening in the NexGen tibial plate. This component was originally designed to be implanted with or without surgical cement. However, five months prior to the FDA’s Zimmer NexGen recall, the joint manufacturer sent a letter to orthopedists, warning that they should only implant the tibial plate with cement. This warning suggests the component may have been defective.

When Does Revision Knee Surgery Become Necessary?

A knee replacement that loosens will eventually need to be replaced. The problem will continue to worsen, causing increasing pain and reduced mobility. Unfortunately, revision surgery is often problematic due to the deterioration in the patient’s bone stock. The compromised tibia or femur (or both) is less capable of holding the replacement prosthesis in place.

For this reason, orthopedic surgeons usually urge their patients to wait until the pain becomes unbearable before undergoing revision surgery. The longevity of the replacement knee implant is rarely as good as the original.

The failure rate of the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex is estimated at 9 percent, far higher than comparable knee replacements. Loosening, pain, and dislocation are the most serious complications stemming from a defective implant. If you are currently suffering from knee pain, swelling, looseness of the joint, or other serious Zimmer knee side effects, you may be due compensation for your injuries. Contact a Zimmer knee replacement recall lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Filed Under: Zimmer Knee Recall

DePuy Class Action Lawsuit

May 10, 2011 By admin

Patients with a defective DePuy hip are filing individual lawsuits throughout the United States and there is no national DePuy class action lawsuit covering all claims. Two DePuy hip replacement systems have been known to cause serious problems. Those who have received the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System have reported experiencing severe pain in their hip, groin, and thigh. Other side effects include the development of pseudotumors, soft tissue damage, and premature loosening of the hip prosthesis. These were some of the issues that prompted the DePuy hip recall that was announced by the manufacturer in August 2010.

Of the many complications that recipients of the DePuy ASR have endured, loosening and dislocation of the implant are arguably the most significant. Not only do both circumstances cause intense pain and reduce the patient’s mobility, but they warrant revision surgery. We’ll explain how both problems occur below as well as the long-term issues they present.

Factors That Contribute To Loosening Of The DePuy Hip Implant

Several factors are believed to play a role in the ASR’s tendency to loosen in the hip joint. The prosthesis uses a standard ball-and-cup design. The cup (i.e. acetabular component) is installed into the pelvic socket, and has a textured surface that encourages bony ingrowth. The bone of the acetabulum (socket) grows into the surface, and holds the piece in place. The ball is attached to a femoral stem, which is implanted into the center of the femur. The stem too has a textured surface to encourage bony ingrowth.

Orthopedic surgeons who have implanted the ASR hip replacement systems into their patients have complained that the cup is too shallow. It must be implanted more deeply into the pelvic socket to ensure a firm hold. Additionally, the shallow design causes a poor fit between the cup and ball, a problem that results in excess friction.

The ASR XL Acetabular System has a metal-on-metal construction; both the cup and ball are made from a cobalt-chromium alloy. Friction between the two components causes metal particles to be released into the nearby tissue. Some reach the bloodstream. This results in metal contamination, which can lead to bone loss, soft tissue damage, and infection.

As these problems develop, the bony ingrowth attached to the surface of the cup weakens. This eventually causes the prosthesis to loosen.

How A DePuy ASR Dislocation Occurs

One of the side effects of loosening in the artificial hip joint is that fractures begin to form in the pelvic bone. These fractures become progressively worse, occasionally to the point that the cup becomes separated from the socket.

Also, recall that the shallow design of the cup creates a poor fit between it and the femoral head (ball). This design increases the likelihood that the two components will become separated. Moreover, the excess friction generated between the cup and ball causes the two pieces to wear down more quickly than normal. As the wear progresses, the ball may eventually become dislocated from the cup.

Problems Associated With DePuy Hip Implant Loosening And Dislocation

All hip replacements can potentially loosen and dislocate. But there are two notable differences in the loosening and dislocation associated with the DePuy ASRs. First, it occurs more often than normal. The standard failure rate for total hip arthroplasty is well under 5 percent. The ASR XL Acetabular System poses a failure rate near 13 percent.

Second, with most total hip replacements, premature dislocation is often due to the patient crossing her legs, bending her leg more than 90 degrees, or sleeping on her side. As such, a doctor can often “pop” the joint back in place. With the DePuy hip implant, dislocation is often due to bone fracturing, bone deterioration, and worn components. This requires revision surgery to replace the defective prosthesis.

Approximately 93,000 patients have received one of the two ASRs addressed in the 2010 DePuy hip recall. Due to a failure rate near 13 percent, thousands of recipients have encountered complications, or will in the future. If you are suffering from hip pain, tissue damage, joint loosening, or other serious DePuy side effects, learn more about your legal rights. Contact a DePuy hip recall lawyer to discuss your options. Cases are currently being filed individually and there is no national DePuy class action lawsuit.

Filed Under: DePuy Hip Recall
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