People who have gone through shoulder implant surgery were promised less pain and more mobility and function. However, for some patients the opposite is true. Common side effects from shoulder replacement surgery are: Infection, adverse reactions to the prosthetic, fracture, stiffness, over-stuffing of the joint, instability, reduced muscle strength, hematomas, deltoid detachment, nerve injury, mal-positioning, and loosening.
Biomet, Inc. Settles Shoulder Replacement Failure Claim
In 2016, Biomet, Inc. payed $350,000 to settle a shoulder replacement case involving the alleged failure of its Comprehensive Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement System. According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, the plaintiff had to have revision surgery to remove and replace 2 implants from 2009 and 2010.
Adverse events have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over some stemless and short stemmed shoulder replacement devices. Some of these adverse events caused injury to the patient and many required the patient to undergo revision surgery or device explant. Some of the events included bad positioning, dislocation, loosening, instability, and component erosion. Another study published in the Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery found short-stem shoulder replacement might have a higher rate of failure. The study found that patients who underwent total shoulder replacement had a high percentage of radiolucency. Radiolucency can indicate loss of bone mass and tissue voids. The fact that radiolucency is present could mean a higher overall rate of device loosening and failure.
Has your Shoulder Surgery Failed?
The most common side effects I have experienced in my practice are:
- Infections: Many people do not realize their pain is from an infection. Often their doctor cannot tell the area is infected unless they culture it. Some infections may require removal of shoulder prosthesis.
- Hematomas: Hematoma is a rather common complication. Blood and fluid can build up in empty areas. They can cause pain and less mobility. If hematomas are serious enough, the patient may need surgery or a revision.
- Mal-positioning or loosening of the Shoulder Implant: This may occur if shoulder implants are not sufficiently secured to bone or if they are not well-aligned to other parts of the shoulder.
- Bone Fracture: This can happen in your humerus, clavicle, or Glenoid (ball and socket). A post-surgical fracture may require a second shoulder surgery.
- Allergic reaction to metal: Some people have metal allergy and don’t know it. The shoulder implant can cause the person’s auto-immune system to react after the implant. The area around the shoulder implant can be irritated and swell causing pain and discomfort.
Free Consultation with a Shoulder Revision Surgery Lawyer
If you call my office, you will speak to me personally. I will listen, assess, and guide you through this process. The consultation is free of charge and completely confidential. You will pay nothing unless we are successful with your claim. All of our agreements are on a contingency fee basis.
Call Victor Longo toll free at 1-855-566-4648 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation today.
