Study Links Deaths to Surgical Cement Used for Hip Replacements
Patients who undergo a partial hip replacement using surgical cement may face an increased risk of serious injury or death during surgery.
According to the findings of a new study, some surgical cements used in partial hip replacements may increase a patient’s risk of death – a risk that has brought into question the safety of using surgical cement following a hip fracture. In the study, published this week in the British Medical Journal, researchers warn about the risk of bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS), which may affect patients undergoing a hip hemiarthroplasty for a fractured femur neck. If you have suffered injuries from hip replacement surgery, or if you lost a loved one to a deadly surgical complication, our consumer advocates at the Leading Justice can help. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers harmed by dangerous products, and can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.
Deaths, Injuries Tied to Surgical Cement
In the BMJ study, researchers examined data from the UK’s National Reporting and Learning System, and found 62 cases between 2005 and 2012 that involved severe acute patient deterioration linked to cement use in hip replacements. Of the 62 cases, 41 patients died, 14 were resuscitated following cardiac arrest, and seven were resuscitated following periarrest. In 55 (89%) of the cases, BCIS occurred in minutes, and 80% of the patient deaths happened on the operating table during the hip replacement procedure. Another 39 suspected cases of BCIS resulting in severe injury or death were left out of the study because researchers couldn’t be certain the incidents occurred during partial hip replacement procedures for fractured femur necks.
What is Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome?
Bone cement implantation syndrome, which can strike in just minutes after cement insertion, has been linked to dozens of patient deaths, occurring when the insertion of the cement causes fat and bone marrow contents to be released into the bloodstream. This can lead to sudden pulmonary embolism, according to the researchers, which can result in respiratory problems and potentially fatal cardiac arrest. Hip hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure performed in patients following a hip fracture affecting the neck of the femur, and involves the replacement of just one half of the joint with an artificial surface.
Contact a Skilled Product Liability Lawyer Today
The researchers involved in the surgical cement study concluded that incidents of BCIS appear to be occurring more frequently, noting a steady increase in the number of cases of bone cement implantation syndrome reported since 2005. “The patient safety incident reports detailed in this paper are compelling, representing eyewitness accounts of instances in which bone cement seems to have caused death or severe harm,” the researchers wrote. If you believe you have been harmed by a potentially defective medical device, such as surgical cement for hip replacement, contact a reputable product liability attorney today for legal help. With a qualified lawyer on your side, you can protect your legal rights and seek fair and timely reimbursement for your injuries.
[box type=”note” align=”aligncenter” ]Source: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/6/e004853.full[/box]