The DePuy Pinnacle is a
metal-on-metal hip replacement system. The implant is similar in many respects
to the recalled DePuy ASR hip
system, which was removed from the market in August 2010 due to a
higher-than-expected failure rate. However, a number of individuals have also
complained of DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement complications that may also be
related to the design of the artificial hip. One such Pinnacle hip replacement lawsuit was filed by Jane Holcomb, 58, after suffering from metal poisoning and
having to go through revision surgery to replace the defective hip implant.
Although there appears to be ample evidence that should have led to a DePuy Pinnacle hip recall being issued, the metal-on-metal hip
replacement system remains on the market and consumers continue to be exposed
to the risk of serious and debilitating problems.
DePuy Hip Implant Warnings
Orthopedic surgeons and
other health care professionals have been increasingly warned about problems with metal-on-metal hip implants,
which can shed small metal particles into the body as the hip implants wear
down over time, potentially resulting in metallosis and complications with the
hip replacement. The DePuy Pinnacle hip has been marketed to younger and more
active patients, with indications that it is more durable and performs longer
than metal-on-synthetic hip replacements. However, it now appears likely that
the DePuy Pinnacle hip failure rate may be higher-than-expected, causing
individuals to require additional surgery to replace or revise the hip
replacement and accelerating the need for future hip replacements. Mrs.
Holcomb’s suit is seeking 20 million in compensatory damages.
Several individuals, like
Mrs. Holcomb, have already filed a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit as a result of complications from
their hip replacements. Some complaints allege that a DePuy Pinnacle hip recall
should have been issued for the same reasons that the DePuy ASR hip replacement
was pulled from the market. However, the manufacturer continues to market the
DePuy Pinnacle hip system as a safe and effective hip replacement product. The system consists of a
porous coated hemispherical outer shell and a liner that locks into the outer
shell, which can be either polyethylene or metal. The liner component articulates
with the femoral head, which is typically metal. Plaintiffs allege that these
parts have led to a severe risk of metal poisoning and that the Pinnacle hip
replacement system should be recalled.
