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DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Update: Rottenstein Law Group Notes That Number of Pending Pinnacle Lawsuits Reaches Nearly 4,000


Metal-on-metal hip replacements such as the DePuy Pinnacle have been in the news* frequently because of hip lawsuits related to the devices’ alleged side effects, such as metal poisoning. The Rottenstein Law Group, a DePuy Pinnacle law firm, notes that pending Pinnacle lawsuits in federal courts are numbering almost 4,000, according to court documents in In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation – MDL No. 2244.
The nationwide lawsuits are managed as a consolidation called “multidistrict litigation” in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. That the number of lawsuits has reached nearly 4,000 is not a surprise to Rottenstein Law Group Principal Rochelle Rottenstein.
“On a daily basis we receive calls from those who believe their metal-on-metal hip implants such as the DePuy Pinnacle have injured them,” Rottenstein said. “It is only appropriate that the issue be decided in the court system.”

Read full story at PRWeb.com: DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Update: Rottenstein Law Group Notes That Number of Pending Pinnacle Lawsuits Reaches Nearly 4,000

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DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Update: Rottenstein Law Group Notes That Number of Pending Pinnacle Lawsuits Reaches Nearly 4,000


Metal-on-metal hip replacements such as the DePuy Pinnacle have been in the news* frequently because of hip lawsuits related to the devices’ alleged side effects, such as metal poisoning. The Rottenstein Law Group, a DePuy Pinnacle law firm, notes that pending Pinnacle lawsuits in federal courts are numbering almost 4,000, according to court documents in In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Pinnacle Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation – MDL No. 2244.
The nationwide lawsuits are managed as a consolidation called “multidistrict litigation” in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. That the number of lawsuits has reached nearly 4,000 is not a surprise to Rottenstein Law Group Principal Rochelle Rottenstein.
“On a daily basis we receive calls from those who believe their metal-on-metal hip implants such as the DePuy Pinnacle have injured them,” Rottenstein said. “It is only appropriate that the issue be decided in the court system.”

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Femur Fracture and the Risks It Involves

Femur fracture is otherwise known as the break in the thigh bone. It is the part that may be found between the hip and the knee. Femur fracture has two kinds: open and close. Most of the femur fractures are closed fracture, which means that it does not penetrate to the skin as opposed to open femur fracture. This bone is basically strong and it takes a large amount of force or pressure to break it. A head-on collision, fall or other injuries with sufficient force may break the femur shaft. A person clinically diagnosed with osteoporosis or other diseases affecting bone density may be exposed to greater risks of developing fractures which requires the need for using a dangerous medical device as treatment.

Symptoms of femur fracture may be easily observed. According to orthopaedic experts, severe pain and inability to walk are among its primary signs. Bleeding in substantial amounts and discoloration within the surrounding area (which leaves a black mark) is also one of the symptoms of femur fracture.

Patients who are diagnosed with femur fracture stand at risks of developing blood clots. Swelling and immobility following the treatment may disrupt regular blood flow as indicated by medical data. Anemia or low blood count may also arise due to this condition. In cases in which the fractured femur breaks the layers of the skin, the risk of developing infection increases. There are also other complications that are rarely observed, namely nerve damage and compartment syndrome. The former may result in the numbness or weakness in the lower legs and the latter may compress the nerves, blood vessels in one closed space in the body.  Most often it happens in the thigh area where there is substantial bleeding and inflammation.

Surgical treatments for this type of fracture may also lead to surgical complications. Devices such as DePuy Pinnacle may destabilize the bone and results to severe pain and irritation. Nerve damage is also a possible surgical complication. Treatment for thigh bone fracture often involves surgery, rehabilitation and medication. Each treatment carries with it a potential adverse effect as for any other treatment citing opinions by medical experts. It is deemed best that treatment as well as its possible risks be discussed thoroughly by the patient and the health care provider.


URL References:


  • exitcare.com/pdf_files/example_titles/ec_ip_Femoral-Shaft-Fracture_02-08.pdf
  • freemd.com/femur-fracture/complications.htm
  • orthoanswer.org/hip/femur-fractures/complications.html

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Anorexic Patient is at Risk of Developing Osteoporosis

Anorexia nervosa is considered as a risk factor to cause osteoporosis, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports, affirming mental health studies conducted beforehand. This ailment usually ends up in a surgical procedure such as hip replacement, against which persistent reports claimed that failed metal on metal hip replacement might cause health problems after revision.

Osteoporosis is a disorder affecting the bones of the body. When a person is stricken with the ailment, his bones become brittle because of the loss in bone density and are easier to break. This type of condition happens among ageing women and those who are diagnosed with eating disorder known asanorexia. People affected with anorexia looks for ways to treat such eating disorder. However, the insufficiency of calcium in the body is usually the main reason for the primary development of osteoporosis.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder common in people who fear gaining weight. They are paranoid of being overweight when, in fact, they are awfully thin. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females have it. While the majority of people with anorexia are female, an estimated five to 15 percent of them are male, the WebMD says.

Those stricken with anorexia sternly restrict their dietary consumption. The illness is being linked to several health issues which in certain instances may lead to death. Anorexia nervosa holds a major physical magnitude which has affected individuals experiencing nutritional and hormonal problems that has negative impact on bone density. For example, when a woman possesses truncated body weight, her body will stop producing estrogen, thereby causing amenorrhea or absent menstrual periods.  The low estrogen levels subsidize to the important losses in bone density.

Furthermore, individuals with anorexia often yield disproportionate amounts of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which is known to trigger bone loss. Other problems – such as a decrease in the production of growth hormone and other growth factors, low body weight (apart from the estrogen loss it causes), calcium deficiency, and malnutrition – contribute to bone loss in girls and women with anorexia. Weight loss, restricted dietary intake, and testosterone deficiency may be responsible for the low bone density found in males who have had the disorder.

Studies suggest that low bone mass (osteopenia) is common in people with anorexia and that it occurs early in the course of the disease. Girls with anorexia are less likely to reach their peak bone density and therefore may be at increased risk for osteoporosis and fracture throughout life which causes excruciating pain leading to a surgical procedure such as DePuy Pinnacle.

URL REFERENCES:

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/osteoporosis_ff.asp
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/anorexia-and-osteoporosis?page=2
http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/reasons-why-anorexia-may-be-a-cause-for-osteoporosis/

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Arthritis Patient Succumbs To Sedentary Life

Study shows that people stricken with arthritis succumb to sedentary lifestyle due to the pain and physical restrictions, according to About.com website.  A disease which may lead to an implantation of an artificial device such as Depuy pinnacle which was reported by a british surgeon to BBC.

Unlike in the United States wherein device registries are still emerging, there are some other countries which already have device registries that track the inserted device performance on patients with problem on their hips and knees. It has already been existing in countries such as Australia and England compared to the United States, BBC News said.

The report added that a joint BBC Newsnight and the British Medical Journal investigation report that problems with such device have been long known, but no action was taken to stop it from being distributed. It added that the all-metal hips have a high failure rate and rubbing between the ball and cup can cause metal to break off, seeping into tissue and causing complications, BBC News reports.

However, despite the fact that arthritis-stricken patients were being advised to engage into an exercise program as a prevention of any artificial device implantation, most of them still put limitations in what they can do and blame arthritis for it. Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metallic disturbances, or other causes, defined by answers.com.

Sedentary lifestyle on the other hand is a medical term used to describe a type of lifestyle with irregular physical activity.   That person can also be known as a couch potato, whose activities include sitting, reading, watching television, playing certain video games, and computer use for much of the day with little or no vigorous physical exercise.  This may contribute too many preventable causes of death, according to the Boomer, Health and Lifestyle.

One of these health problems which may lead to death is arthritis. This illness may grow worse if a person continues to embrace his or her situation through living a sedentary lifestyle rather than fighting back through having an active lifestyle. Having an active lifestyle is not limited to getting into sports only or  doing exercise, rather  a person can also engage into simple activities such as walking somewhere instead of driving and climbing stairs instead of taking elevators, About.com website says.

Although, this may be unrealistic to people stricken with moderate to severe arthritis, because it is  quite possible that their disability interferes with walking long distances or stair climbing, but  they should still make effort to move more while respecting their limitations. Some people find exercise as boring but they need to think out of the box and do something like  go swimming, bicycle, hiking and others which may lessen the risk of worsening their condition, About.com reported.

But what makes it more enjoyable is that people stricken with arthritis may have a buddy with whom they can share the activities rather than doing it alone.  Doing so may prevent a person from deteriorating which may lead to a hip or knee replacement which has been a subject of several complaints supporting several Depuy pinnacle lawsuit.

URL References:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/preventionandriskfactors/a/reasons_to_exercise.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17192520
http://www.thirdage.com/news/sedentary-lifestyle-tv-advertising-make-perfect-storm-for-childhood-obesity_06-27-2011

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Newly Found Gene May Control Osteoporosis

A new gene responsible for modulating bone mass in human has been discovered, reports a home-grown Canadian group of researchers, declaring a scientific breakthrough. This recent findings from the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) showed the emergence of a risk factor for developing osteoporosis, Science Daily says. Disorder in the hip bone at times lead patients to artificial implants and litigation over defective products. However, "Tennessee Man Files Pinnacle Hip Replacement Lawsuit".

Osteoporosis is results to the lowering in bone mass and changes in bone structure that leads to a weakening of the bones.  It is considered as a “silent” genetic disease which may lead to fractures and cause severe impact upon a person’s life, the osteoporosisadvice.com website says.

As a bone disorder, osteoporosis is also characterized by low bone mineral density and deterioration of bone tissue. It attacks some of the main areas in joints, especially in the hips and spine, as well as on the wrist, where fractures often occur. In all cases, the disease is caused by an imbalance between the formation and resorption of bone tissue, the Science Daily says.

The lead researcher, Dr. Jean Vacher, director of the Cellular interactions and Development and Resorptions, says that the overall objective of their research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that identify the balance between bone formation and resorption. He added that osteoblasts are responsible for making bones and work in synergy with osteoclasts, which reshape the bone, according to the Science Daily. This discovery shows the bone joint adjusting, regulating or adapting itself to a certain proportion.

Dr. Vacher further says that to gain insight into these complex mechanisms, his team is studying the role of new genes that influence osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

Researchers recently isolated a gene that modulates osteoclasts. They found, in mice, that a loss of this gene's function leads to a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts, thereby generating an even higher level of bone resorption, Science Daily says.

This gene has been identified as a novel modulator of bone mineral density in mice and humans. More importantly, new findings showed that the human gene could represent a new susceptibility factor for osteoporosis. Hence, this discovery will help identify individuals with greater predisposition to the disease who could benefit from preventive measure, Science Daily reports.

The best way to prevent osteoporosis from developing in your system is to  maintain an active and healthy  lifestyle through  regular exercise. Not only does exercise reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis but as well as lessen the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, netdoctor.co.uk website says, adding that it has a positive effect on mental well-being.

The types of exercise that are believed to be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis are weight-bearing, such as walking or aerobics. Research recommended daily intake of calcium for an adult is around 800mg. If this regimen is followed religiously by the people, the number of hip implants will decrease as well as the filing of Pinnacle Lawsuit.


URL REFERENCES:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/osteoporosistreatment.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132534.htm
http://www.osteoporosisadvice.com/define.php

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Tips On Osteoarthritis Prevention

Some tips have been suggested for the prevention of osteoarthritis. Those who usually develops the ailment are those already 60 years older or those who are overweight. Even though, researchers have yet to find the cause or causes of this devastating ailment, regular exercise displays to significantly lessen a person’s risk of getting it, according to the hipjointpainrelief.com website.

There is nothing better than looking among all the natural health remedies available, the website says, showing that exercise provides effective pain management for osteoarthritis.

The site also discusses about osteoarthritis abolishing the cartilage, a form of tissue that offers a pillow-like layer between the joints. When a person doesn’t exercise, the joints become stiff and osteoarthritis is hastened. This is because joints need lubrication in order to function properly, and exercise increases this lubrication in order to function properly, and exercise brings about this lubrication in more quantities, resulting in a reduction in pain and stiffness.

To avoid the muscles and tendons supporting the joints from becoming weak, a natural incidence such as  supporting joints from becoming weak. According to the hipjointpainrelief.com website, these muscles and tendons become tougher with workout, and the joints they support receive the added support they need.

A person keeping a sedentary lifestyle may experience osteoarthritis, which also cause heart disease, high-blood pressure, some cancers, and even diabetes.

A surge of a simple 10 pounds in a person’s ideal body weight increases stress in a person’s knee joints when he/she walks. If osteoarthritis deteriorates, it stop a person from normal walking or jogging.

In case it has been a while since a person had engaged in regular physical activity, participating in water-based exercise such as water aerobics is an excellent place to start. The buoyancy of the water will lessen the stress in a person’s joints.

If the person is already inflicted with osteoarthritis, engaging in simple but related forms of exercise will benefit the person immeasurably. Yoga, Pilates and similar exercises increase the person’s “range of motion” and thereby lessen joint stiffness.

However, there is a need to consult a doctor before undergoing heavy exercise. It is important to be cautious prevent oneself from  harm which may lead to hip ruptures that may lead to a hip implant surgery such as DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement which got a lot of  DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit filing.

URL REFERENCE:

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/exercising-with-osteoarthritis
http://www.hipjointpainrelief.com

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Omega 3 Can Prevent Osteoarthritis

Hip implant can be avoided when men and women maintains fish oil supplement which help boost healthier bone according to several studies. It decreases the number of Depuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement patients. A hip pain made a woman from Nebraska discover higher level of metal in her bloodstream following her 2007 hip replacement surgery.

According to the Medical Daily website, Omega-3 fish oil may slow down the build-up of osteoarthritis. However, the researchers needed more evidences to prove the effectiveness of Omega-3 for osteoarthritis prevention

What are considered as a healthy part of diet are the fish and fish oil because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

The Medical Daily website mentions that Omega-3 fatty acid can be obtained from oil in tuna, salmon, mackerel and trout or other sources, including walnuts, flax seed, soybeans and kidney beans.

It also defines osteoarthritis being characterized by degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth. What leads the pain and joint stiffness, a malady commonly affecting the knees hips and hands is through the breakdown of the tissue as stated by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC).

Once proven that Omega -3 fish oil is very effective, it will lower the number of patients into hip implants. According to Medline Plus website that the hip implantation surgery may not have to be considered for people with severe hip damage. The replacement with a man-made artificial part is called Hip replacement which is the removal of the cartilage and bone. A hip replacement guarantees patients of pain relief and helps a person joint work better, and improve walking and other movements.

Patients will most likely to experience discomfort after undergoing a Depuy Pinnacle hip replacement. Hip location the primary problem after surgery. Because a man-made hip is smaller than the original joint, the ball comes out of its socket. It is prone to blood clots and infections. Hip implant will change a person life especially who are into high-impact sports activities. Perhaps a Depuy Pinnacle hip replacement lawsuit can be the best option if you experience inconvenience and discomfort after surgery.


URL REFERENCES:

http://www.intense-workout.com/fish_oil.html
http://www.medicaldaily.com/news/20111017/7446/osteoarthritis-omega-3-fatty-acid-fish-oil-flax-oil-reduce-arthritis-eliminate-osteoarthritis.htm




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Hip Replacement Devices



Hips deteriorating are one of the things that will sooner or later happen. With this, one of the most valuable devices is the so called hip replacement device where in when the hips will be at its worst condition; this medical device will replaced the diseased hip for one to properly function again. As we all know, a diseased hip will just gives us difficulties like painful walking which can in the long run lead to immobility. However, when the time will come that we will be faced with deteriorating hips, we should be very careful about choosing what hip replacement device to use because of the issues being thrown at the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement and FDA’s regulatory process. Now, here are the type of devices for you to be armed with the right information so that you can choose and talk to your doctor about the best kind of medical hip replacement device.

Types of Hip Replacement Devices

Metal with Polyethylene Liner Devices

  • This type of hip replacement device is the unpopular one. This type of hip replacement device has been given a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. However, a lot of negative things is said to happen on this kind of device that physicians will rarely advised for this implant to be used.

Ceramic on Ceramic Devices

  • This is one of the new hip replacement devices to come. Before, metal on metal devices which will be discussed later is seen as the best hip replacement device in the market until metallic ions were seen to be a cause of worry because it has the potential to mix into the blood and cause metallosis. As for this ceramic on ceramic hip replacement device, it is seen as the very best choice especially for the young and the active because there is lesser chance of it fracturing.

Metal on Metal Devices

  • This kind of device has been in the market for around 9 years and has been used by a lot of people. There were even reports that this kind of device is said to last for a lifetime. However, they were unable to foresee that it may also cause complications like causing metallosis. In fact, the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement which is a metal on metal device has been found out to cause metallosis which is why some people have already filed for a lawsuit against its manufacturer.

References:


http://bonesmart.org/hip/total-hip-replacement-implants/
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00355
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/health/04metalhip.html





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When Can I Recover From A Hip Replacement Surgery?

The being usual of a hip surgery is quite common these days. This has got to do with the fact that 90% of all hip surgery is said to be successful. Right now, fear is never a common response for a hip replacement surgery. However, they are curious about the length of time recovering from a hip replacement surgery. Yet, there are still hip replacement surgeries that are not doing well. And maybe, it has to do with the fact that "people with arthritis resulting to hip surgery can also experience depression".

Basic Facts and the Necessity of the Occurrence of A Hip Replacement Surgery

  • Despite suffering from hip arthritis pains, hip surgery is not the immediate answer.
  • Before a hip replacement surgery, other treatments are considered first.
  • Hip surgery can only happen if all else fails.
  • Replacing our hip joints with a prosthetic implant is what happens in a hip replacement surgery.

Preparation For A Hip Replacement Surgery

If a hip replacement surgery is said to take place then we can see how serious the hip arthritis is. Here’s what the usual preparation before a doctor will perform the surgical procedure:

  • CBC also known as complete blood count is the process of counting one’s number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Level of electrolytes evaluation.
  • Blood tests to ensure the functionality of one's liver and kidney.
  • Urinalysis, X-rays, and EKG.
  • Complete physical examination.
  • Evaluation of current medications.

These procedures are important before a hip surgery because this will ensure if the individual is fit enough to undergo a procedure. Moreover, this will also ensure that complications will not happen during the surgery.

How Much Time Do I Need In Order To Recover From A Hip Replacement Surgery?

Recovery is one of the main concerns in every surgery.According to doctors, three months is the maximum time we can give for a person to fully recover after a hip replacement surgery. After three months, the person is sure to be back into his/her full activity.

Full recovery can only be longer than three months if complications happen. In fact, this have happened on people who have used a defective DePuy Pinnacle system. In fact, a "Pinnacle lawsuit" is already being filed by a number of people.

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Revision Surgery in Hip Replacement

Revision is defined as modifying something so it’ll be better than its original. In revision surgery, an earlier procedure will be revised because the complications hinder the patient’s normal functioning. In hip replacement surgeries due to hip fractures, a revision surgery is needed when the prosthetic devices have been damaged due to wear and tear and other reasons.

A Brief on Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement is performed to get rid of the damaged hip joints and cartilage and be replaced with prosthetic devices like DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device. The procedure typically lasts 2 to 4 hours and the prognosis is generally good. Usually, hospital stay will not be more than 5 days and it will take around 3 to 6 months to have full recovery if the patient adheres to the treatment and rehabilitation plan.

When is Revision Surgery Needed?

Surgeons perform hip revision surgery for 2 main reasons: if pain is severe and the disability cannot be managed by other treatment modalities and the extent of damage shown in x-ray tests is serious and operation is needed immediately. Hip Revision usually becomes necessary if the following conditions will arise:
  •     Infection
        Infection in the tissues surrounding the prosthetic device needs immediate medical attention because it can further spread to different sites and may potentially damage the hip bone. We wouldn't want a systemic infection to happen and spread throughout the body.
  •     Fractures
            Hip injury is considered as the top cause of fractures in America. The majority of those who underwent hip replacement belong to the elderly and incidentally, they are also considered to be the most at risk for fractures.
  •     Loosening of the Artificial Hip Joints
            The hip device is initially tight-fitted into the bone so it will stay in place but over time, wear and tear will loosen the device and can begin to move into small amounts. This phenomenon causes pain and patient’s range of motion will be limited. It will take an average of 15-20 years for these devices to last but some like those manufactured by DePuy compelled the patients to file for a DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit because of premature loosening of the devices which happened a couple of years after hip replacement. This is a very serious situation because replacing the device is much more difficult and usually not as successful as the first operation.

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