Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in all of orthopedic surgery. The procedure involves replacing damaged or deteriorated joints with artificial replacements, which include parts made of high molecular weight polyethylene, similar to pliable plastic. Most patients who undergo a hip or knee replacement gain improved agility, flexibility, and reduced pain; however, several prosthetic implants that have been sterilized in polyethylene have required additional surgical procedures.

Several companies use a technique known as gamma irradiation in air to sterilize the hip and knee prostheses. During the procedure, small pieces of the polyehtylene part of the device which was previously sterilized may break down and become stuck in the hip or knee joint of a patient. Osteolysis is a condition that is common in individuals with the extra pieces of material floating in their body. Osteolysis is when the immune system begins to attack healthy bones as well causing decay. Usually additional knee or hip prosthesis replacements will be required and more surgical procedures must occur.

Several of the following manufacturers are under investigation for faulty hip and knee implants that were manufactured in the early 1990s:

. Depuy

. Howmedica Osteonics Corp.

. Howmedica, Inc.

. Osteonics Corp.

. Zimmer

. Biomet

A detailed evaluation of an individual's medical records is one way to determine compensatory and physical damages incured for patients of knee or hip replacement with prostheses.

However, for those who have been involved in knee or hip replacement, the possibility to develop a hip or knee replacement lawsuit is available. To learn about hip or knee prostheses litigation, contact an experienced law firm. The victim, or plaintiff, may have the possibility to develop a medical lawsuit to seek compensatory damages for pain and suffering as well as overall medical bills.