Kline

BACKGROUND

Due to painful osteoarthritis in his right hip, Kline underwent a total hip replacement surgery in 2007, during which he was implanted with an artificial joint called the Durom Acetabular Component (Durom Cup). Zimmer was the manufacturer of the Durom Cup. The initial surgery failed and Kline underwent a second surgery—known as a “revision surgery”—in September 2008 to replace the Durom Cup with a different device. Kline continued to experience severe pain after his revision surgery. He underwent various treatments and physical therapy, and, by March of 2009, he was “back to normal” and “feeling pretty good.” With this progress, Kline was released from the care of his physical therapist and his orthopedic surgeon.

2 However, the pain returned and Kline began seeing a rheumatologist, Dr. Chabra, in September of 2010. Kline continued to see Dr. Chabra for approximately eight years. Dr. Chabra noted at his initial visit that Kline was complaining of hip pain and stiffness in both hips, with stiffness primarily in his surgically repaired hip. Kline also complained of lower back pain. Dr. Chabra performed a series of tests and studies and did not reach a conclusion as to…