Why Was the Hip Device Recalled?

DePuy Orthopedics received higher than expected complaints associated with early failure for the metal hip implants. The hip replacement can fail within only a few years of surgery, causing pain and leading to complicated and expensive replacement surgery.

The DePuy ASR acetabular cup system is made of high cast carbon. The FDA had concerns about the friction between these two metal bearing surfaces as early as December 3, 2004, and told DePuy Orthopaedics to provide additional data. The DePuy hip device was approved through a FDA process called 510(k). That process is being scrutinized now over concerns both within and outside the FDA about safety and effectiveness. A special committee from the U.S. Senate was conducted on April 13, 2011 to discuss these issues.

DePuy sent a letter on August 24, 2010 to its customers. The letter from DePuy states, "This recall means additional testing and monitoring may be necessary to ensure your patients' hips are functioning well. In some cases, the patient may need revision surgery." DePuy acknowledges that patients may develop progressive soft tissue reactions to metal wear debris, and that some MAY NOT EXHIBIT ANY SYMPTOMS. The debris, according to DePuy, can cause soft tissue damage which may compromise the results of the hip surgery. DePuy recommends metal ion testing to determine if metal debris is forming. They recommend metal ion testing even if the patient has no symptoms. DePuy further acknowledges that the risk of revision surgery is highest amongst those who have the smaller devices and among female patients.

What Should You Do?

First, you should call your orthopedic surgeon. Also, you must be aware that deadlines can prevent you from getting compensation, if you wait too long to file a lawsuit!!!! DePuy even recommends you follow your surgeon recommendation for continued follow up care and follow up visits even if you have no symptoms. With our help, we can arrange for DePuy to pay some of the cost in testing. We have access to testing facilities to determine the extent of any problems you may have.

How Often Has the DePuy Hip Failed?

Data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales found that the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System had a 12% revision rate and the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System had a revision rate of 13%.

All individuals who received a DePuy ASR hip have been advised to contact their surgeon for an evaluation, even if they are not experiencing problems.

DePuy ASR Hip Replacement - What are the Problems?

The DePuy ASR Acetabular Cup System is a metal-on-metal hip system used in traditional hip replacement in the United States. The ASR hip resurfacing system became a popular alternative to traditional hip replacement.

Some believe a design flaw with the DePuy metal hip implant exists, which makes them difficult to implant at the proper angle. If the metal-on-metal hip replacement is improperly positioned, it could cause small bits of metal to inflame the surrounding tissue in the hip joint and loss of bone can occur. This can cause DePuy ASR hip complications to leave patients with lasting problems. Surgery to remove the hip implant can be required.

Who is Most at Risk?

Individuals with a small stature, such as women and those with weak bones, may be more susceptible to failure of DePuy ASR hip implants. However, potential lawsuits are being pursued for all individuals who have experienced complications after their hip surgery.

How Can Our Lawyers Help You?

We have alleged, in our other lawsuits, that DePuy Orthopedics introduced their metal-on-metal hip implant without adequately testing and researching the device. Because of the design and promotion of their product, thousands of people received the DePuy ASR hip and may experience unnecessary complications and problems.

Financial compensation can be available for hip replacement patients who experienced problems or even those who have not yet experienced problems.