EMPERION Hip Implants

EMPERION Hip Implants

The EMPERION Modular Hip System, produced by Smith & Nephew, was noted to be “the next step in hip evolution.” Initially approved by the FDA in 2004, it was purported to be a device capable of providing enhanced range-of-motion with lesser chance of dislocation. The EMPERION product was targeted to individuals needing hip replacement surgery or as an alternative to other treatments or devices that were prescribed but did not work successfully. Patients with inflammatory degenerative joint disease also are encouraged to consider this product as well.

The device was designed to be implanted without cement and Smith & Nephew claims that this particular stem configuration and construction approach reduces stress-shielding and micromotion. However, an EMPERION metal hip replacement study has shown a higher than anticipated revision rate.

Complications

The EMPERION Modular Hip System is suspected of causing health complications, specifically implant fractures, for a number of patients fitted with the device. Research has focused on corrosion as a possible significant factor driving these health issues. Various studies have shown that corrosion potentiation has been observed at the modular junctions of metal-on-metal hip replacement devices such as the EMPERION Modular Hip System.

In one case, a fracture at the modular stem-sleeve junction in a patient implanted with an EMPERION titanium press-fit dual-modular femoral component in a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty was the subject of an article in The American Journal of Orthopedics. According to their research, corrosive material near the implant fracture and adverse local tissue reaction suggested “micromotion at the modular junctions along with particulate debris from the metal-on-metal articulation may have subsequently contributed to a fatigue fracture in this patient.”

Smith & Nephew has recalled multiple components used in hip resurfacing and replacement. They have also faced several lawsuits in the U.S. alleging liability for negligence, defective design and breach of implied warranty. There have been a number of fracture and revision reports made to the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.

EMPERION Hip Replacement Problems

  • Implant fractures
  • Corrosion
  • Health complications
  • Adverse local tissue reaction
  • Fretting
  • Metal debris

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

If you have suffered hip replacement problems, an injury or medical complication due to an EMPERION Modular Hip System, call us today. Medical device manufactures hold a duty to provide safe products and issue adequate warnings to the patients they serve.

Our experienced attorneys are available to serve you from offices located across New York State and Vermont, including: Albany, NY, Schenectady, NY, Saratoga, NY, New York City, NY, Plattsburgh, NY, Buffalo, NY, White Plains, NY, Rochester, NY – as well as Manchester, VT and Burlington, VT. Our call centers are available day and night to help you if you’ve been injured, disabled or have lasting medical issues as a result of an EMPERION hip replacement.

Contact our EMPERION hip replacement lawyers at Harding Mazzotti LLP at 1800LAW1010 (1.800.529.1010) and we will review your legal options to get any compensation you may be entitled to.