JPML To Consider Profemur Hip Implant MDL Consolidation

Introduction

An oral argument has been scheduled for this month by a panel of federal judges over the proposal of the centralization of Wright Profemur hip implant lawsuits for coordinated pretrial proceedings.

On June 26, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued a notice of hearing session indicating that it will hear oral arguments on the proposed centralization on July 30. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will be conducted via videoconference or teleconference at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building in Washington, D.C.

The proposal for consideration was filed on May 18, by the plaintiffs involved in the hip replacement lawsuits to help avoid duplicative discovery, prevent contradictory rulings from different judges, and serve the convenience of the parties, witnesses, and the courts.

The Wright Profemur hip stem features two modular pieces, allowing the implant to be adjusted for leg length, which makes it different from traditional hip replacement systems. But, many problems associated with the modular hip design have caused trouble for the Wright Profemur system. Due to the design defects, as the metal pieces rub against each other during normal daily activities, reports of corrosion have been indicated.

Around 42 cases are pending in 25 different U.S. District Courts against Wright Medical Technology and MicroPort Orthopedics, Inc., each having similar allegation that plaintiffs suffered complications after the Profemur Modular necks and Profemur femoral stems were used together in a total hip replacement system.

Other manufacturers, including DePuy Synthes Companies, Zimmer Biomet, and Stryker Corporation, are also facing similar lawsuits against their hip implants. Several hip implants have been recalled due to their design defects and rising number of lawsuits.

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