Hip surgery patients who are treated with bone cement can potentially develop a rare but life-threatening side effect known as Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome. BCIS typically causes sudden pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, or death. It can also cause long-term side effects, including low oxygen (hypoxia) and confusion.
What You Can Do & How a Bone Cement Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting bone cement induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome?
Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome (BCIS) is a rare and poorly-understood syndrome that occurs when bones spontaneously release fat and marrow into the bloodstream after bone cement is injected. When these substances travel in the bloodstream, they can clog arteries in the lungs and heart. BCIS occurs most often in patients who are having surgery to repair a fractured hip.
For more information:
- Bone Cement Implantation Syndrome — British Journal of Anesthesiology, 2009
Causes
The exact causes of BCIS are poorly understood. It might be caused by injecting the cement under high pressure. High pressure could push marrow contents from the femoral canal into the bloodstream. It could also release methyl methacrylate cement monomers into circulation.
Prevention
Medscape interviewed doctors who said the risk of BCIS can be reduced if surgeons take precautions to avoid putting marrow under pressure. These precautions include cleaning the femoral canal before introducing bone cement. Surgeons can also slowly insert the femoral prosthesis and vent the femoral canal to reduce pressure.
Symptoms
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- Low oxygen in the bloodstream (hypoxia)
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
Complications
- Pulmonary embolism: This complication occurs when marrow and fat travel from bones in the lower part of the body (such as the hip) to the lungs and obstruct arteries.
- Heart failure and cardiac arrest: These complications occur when the heart suddenly stops beating.
- Death: The British Medical Journal reported 41 deaths between 2005-2012 in patients who were treated with bone cement.
Do I have a Bone Cement Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting bone cement induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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