Tens of thousands of US patients could face failing implants
(NEWSER) - In the coming years, tens of thousands of US patients could face operations to replace artificial hip implants that are failing prematurely—and the cost could reach billions for taxpayers, insurers, employers, and others. In an extensive look at the problem, the New York Times calls it “the most widespread medical implant failure in decades.” More than 5,000 lawsuits and complaints have been filed against makers of metal-on-metal replacement hips. The problem lies in the fact that such all-metal hips are not lasting the 15 years artificial joints typically do, partially because of the grind of metal against metal. More»