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Defective Device:

Wright CONSERVE® Total Hip System

Wright PROFEMUR® Total Hip System

Dates of Implant:

2004 to present

Design Defect:

The shallow nature of the Wright Conserve cup is similar to the recalled DePuy® ASR metal-on-metal (“MOM”) devices which:

1) Causes excessive heat and friction between the metal cup and the metal ball resulting in excess metal wear debris;

2) The design at issue here increases friction at multiple contact points between the femoral head and the acetabular cup. Thus, large amounts of wear debris resulting in metal toxicity;

3) Causes increased metal ions in the body, specifically, cobalt and chromium. Constant friction between the metal acetabular cup and the metal femoral head result in the release of miniscule metal particles into surrounding soft tissue and bloodstream. The elevated metal (cobalt and chromium) ions result in the metal toxicity that may result in a multitude of health problems such as cysts, necrosis, rash, cardiac problems, among other adverse reactions.

Problems with Wright Implants: Loosening, Metalosis & Fracture

A) Common Symptoms and Difficulties Associated with Loosening

Difficulty standing or walking

Crunching or popping noises

Hip fractures or dislocation

Tissue inflammation, infection, necrosis (this can cause the need for additional surgeries within a couple of months after implant)

Severe Pain

B) Common Symptoms and Difficulties Caused by Metalosis

Metalosis is a common problem caused by metallic particles being released into surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream. The excessive heat and friction between the metal cup and the metal ball creates these metallic particles. The friction results in ions of chromium and cobalt being released into the body. As a result, patients are experiencing Aseptic Lymphocytic Vasculitis Associated Lesions (“ALVAL”) from heavy metal toxicity.

C) Fractures

Inhibited “Boney In-Growth” due to metal ions stunting bone growth.

Lack of bone growth can cause loosening since this product does not use screws.

Loosening leads to fractures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wright Conserve® Total Acetabular System?

The Conserve Total Acetabular System is a 3 component system comprised of: the femoral stem (which is inserted inside the femur); the femoral head (or ball) that connects to the stem; and then fits inside the acetabulum (cup). A unique characteristic of the Conserve Total Acetabular system is that it is a metal-on-metal device meaning both the femoral ball and acetabular cup portion of the implant are metal.

What are the Common Problems/Symptoms with the Conserve® Total Acetabular System?

Swelling, component loosening, component misalignment, infections, bone fractures, dislocation, loss of muscle mass, unexplained hip pain, thigh and groin pain, pain when walking or rising from seated position, and clicking sounds. X-rays can also reveal metal debris, which can ultimately lead to inflammation of the surrounding tissue.

What Should I Do if I Received a Defective Wright Conserve®Total Hip Replacement?

Always consult your doctor or physician regarding health-related issues, but if you or someone you care about received defective joint replacement components, we would like to speak with you right away. DO NOT SIGN A RELEASE FROM THE SURGEON OR WRIGHT. It is imperative that you do NOT sign the release sent to you by your physician on behalf of Wright. These releases will allow Wright complete access to your medical records and allow them to obtain possession of the defective implant in the event it is removed.

What do I need to be doing?

First and foremost, continue your treatment regimen. Additionally, consider keeping a journal. We have found this to be extremely helpful in representing clients and it assists us in personalizing your claims when we have to present them for settlement or trial.

Patients should be aware of the health risks, which include pain, premature loosening or detachment, and metal toxicity. You may have a claim against Wright. The law firm of Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison & Norwood, P.C. has assembled a team of lawyers that have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered after misplacing their trust in negligent companies that produce harmful products.

If you or someone you know have a Wright Conserve hip replacement system and have suffered pain or any other issues:

• See your doctor immediately.
• Do not release any of your confidential medical information to any Wright representatives before speaking to experienced hip replacement lawyers.
• If you are told that you will need hip revisions surgery, make sure that the removed component parts are preserved. Your counsel should be familiar with this process and working with the proper experts to insure that it is done correctly.

Disclaimer:  All use of the Conserve or Profemur mark are for informational and product identification purposes only.  This post should not be taken as either medical or legal advice, but instead should act as a resource in providing general information that may be useful to the general public.  Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison & Norwood, P.C. is not affiliated with the medical device manufacturer Wright Medical or its distributors.