Raleigh Bone Cement Lawyer
Bone cement is designed to connect human bone to implanted devices during joint replacement surgery. Many medical providers switched from traditional epoxies to bone cement after the manufacturer successfully lobbied FDA regulators to approve its use quickly. Now, serious and often fatal side effects have begun to surface. These consequences have come to be known as bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS).
If you believe you could be suffering from BCIS, a Raleigh bone cement lawyer could evaluate your claim. If your diminished health is linked to complications from the use of bone cement, a skilled personal injury attorney could help you hold the manufacturer accountable.
The Use of Bone Cement
Bone cement is a product used during the implantation of prosthetic elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips. These prosthetic devices replace the natural joint but require some work to fasten into place. Over the years, doctors generally relied on low-viscosity epoxy to fill the space between the natural bone and the prosthesis. This epoxy effectively glued the implant to the body, allowing it to stabilize.
In recent years, manufacturers have made a push to replace traditional epoxy with high viscosity bone cement. This product was advertised as easier to apply and quicker to set. This simplified the implantation process for doctors. However, there have been significant health consequences reported with the use of this product. A Raleigh attorney could advise anyone that recently underwent a procedure using bone cement of those consequences.
Bone Cement Complications
The consequences of BCIS are significant. While this condition is rare, its results can be life-threatening. It can occur without warning, frequently within a matter of days of the implantation. By 2014, more than 40 deaths had been attributed to this condition.
Researchers are unclear on the exact cause of this condition. What is known is that toxins within the cement cause a dangerous reaction in a small number of patients. These toxins seep into the bone and marrow, causing it to break down. Microscopic particles of bone, marrow, and cement then enter the bloodstream. These particles can block vessels or travel to the heart, causing pulmonary embolism or even death.
In addition to these risks, the toxins and bone debris can also damage other parts of the body. Nearby nerve endings could suffer damage, leading to chronic nerve pain. A Raleigh patient suffering from these symptoms following the use of bone cement could work with an attorney to recover monetary damages.
Available Compensation in Raleigh
If successful, a personal injury claim could lead to substantial compensation for anyone suffering from BCIS. These damages could cover the cost of treating the symptoms of BCIS as well as the damage from the failed joint replacement procedure. A plaintiff could also seek monetary compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and mental anguish due to their injuries.
Working with a Raleigh Bone Cement Attorney
Like with any unexplained illness, suffering from the effects of BCIS can be stressful. Dealing with these medical issues is especially challenging when combined with the fallout of a failed joint replacement surgery.
If you are suffering from BCIS, you might have a legal claim against the cement manufacturer. To discuss your legal rights, contact a Raleigh bone cement lawyer right away.
