Patients rely on KLS Martin and other medical device makers to thoroughly test their products and ensure they comply with federal safety standards. Sometimes, because of design and manufacturing defects in interpositional screws, plates, and bone screws or due to medical negligence patients have suffered unnecessary injuries.
Titanium is considered highly biocompatible, meaning that surgical plates and screws made of titanium should not be toxic to surrounding tissue. A titanium oxide surface on the devices makes them less corrosive than other metal alloys.
But some titanium surgical implants have failed, causing severe and possibly life-threatening harm to patients. Scientific studies have revealed the product liability dangers associated with titanium devices:
• Abrasion, grinding, or rubbing of the titanium oxide layer can release particles into the surrounding tissue.
• Movement and gaps between titanium plates and screws can emit ions harmful to surrounding bone and tissue.
• In jaw and maxillofacial implants, saliva, bacteria, and fluorides can dissolve and corrode the titanium oxide layer, leeching toxic debris into surrounding tissue.
• Titanium plates can fracture when subjected to very small, frequent bending movements caused by ordinary activities like breathing.
Because of these and other defects, patients may sustain a wide range of damages, such as:
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Extended hospitalization
• Corrective surgeries
• Rehabilitation
• Physical limitations
• Loss of income
• Medical costs and expenses
The Lamothe Law Firm has successfully represented patients and families affected by medical device manufacturers’ negligence, recovering the compensation they deserve and helping them move on with their lives. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
