Bone Cement Lawsuits

Polymethyl methacrylate (known as “bone cement”) is often used in joint replacement procedures including knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow replacements. Bone cement works by fastening hip and knee replacements to the patient’s bones.

Recent studies have shown that patients are at serious risk of serious side effects such as:

• Loosening of implant components and fragmentation;
• Hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the bloodstream);
• Low blood pressure;
• Loss of consciousness;
• Pulmonary embolism;
• Cardiac arrest;
• Death

Bone Cement Lawyers are Ready to Help

Contact our Bone Cement Lawyers to review whether you or a family member may be entitled to financial compensation. Levy Konigsberg LLP is currently accepting Bone Cement cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has suffered one or more of these complications, you may be entitled to a cash award and compensation for medical expenses. For a free confidential consultation with Bone Cement Lawyers at our law firm, please call (800) 315-3806 or submit an email inquiry.

How is Bone Cement Used in Medical Procedures?

Bone cement functions as a filler agent that holds the implant against the bone in a tight space. It is formed during medical procedures by combining liquid and powder-like ingredients. Preparation of the substance must be scrutinized to ensure that the mixing velocity and room temperature provide optimal consistency. When inserted, the bone cement eventually hardens over the prosthetic and keeps it securely in place. Bone cement is less invasive than traditional procedures that use metals and screws and is less likely to damage the bone.

What Adverse Conditions are Associated with Bone Cement?

There are a number of adverse health conditions that patients have reported after having a bone cement procedure. Problems with bone cement can arise in several situations. Bone cement can separate into fragments and cause implants to become loose. Wobbly bone cement can lead to swelling, poor range of motion, and chronic pain. Bone cement can also inadvertently leak into tissue, nerves and veins, and cause nerve impairment.

The most rare and serious complication of bone cement use in joint replacement surgery is BCIS. The causes of the condition are not fully understood. BCIS occurs when bone marrow, fat, and cement are pushed into the bloodstream and restrict blood flow in the arteries. It is believed that the bone cement between the bone and prosthesis exerts excessive pressure on the bone and triggers this process. If these substances enter the bloodstream, the patient is at an increased risk of experiencing a pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest or death. In most cases, BCIS occurs instantaneously after injection of the bone cement and is most common in hip replacement surgeries. A patient who develops BCIS presents with some or all of the following symptoms after injection: oxygen depletion, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac arrythmia. Certain patients may be more likely to develop BCIS. Sone of the factors that elevate the risk of BCIS include: advanced age, poor heart function, pulmonary hypertension, osteoporosis, and past hip fractures.

Research Identifies the Risks of Bone Cement

The risk of developing BCIS and other complications from bone cement have been well documented. In June 2014, the British Medical Journal published a report on the occurrence of BCIS and found that 62 serious events and 41 deaths occurred after procedures between 2005 and 2012 in England and Wales. The report estimated that one in 3,000 people suffered cardiac arrest or death when treated with bone cement during surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance report on the use of bone cement in joint replacement procedures and warned that adverse reactions affecting the cardiovascular system of patients were observed. Some of these incidents resulted in cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism and subsequent death according to the report.

Bone Cement Lawyers are Ready to Help

Contact our Bone Cement Lawyers to review whether you or a family member may be entitled to financial compensation. Levy Konigsberg LLP is currently accepting Bone Cement cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has suffered one or more of these complications, you may be entitled to a cash award and compensation for medical expenses. For a free confidential consultation with Bone Cement Lawyers at our law firm, please call (800) 315-3806 or submit an email inquiry.