DePuy Hip
Johnson & Johnson recalls DePuy hip replacement parts
Johnson & Johnson's artificial joint business, DePuy Orthopaedics, is recalling two acetyabular cups hip replacement systems implanted in about 93,000 people worldwide. New data shows higher-than-expected rates of failure. Many patients who received the defective hip are required to have a second hip replacement surgery. The defective DePuy hip replacements are causing many months of pain, inconvenience and physical therapy for patients. According to MHRA reports, one in eight patients who received the DePuy ASR hip replacement system will be forced to undergo another surgery because of defects in the ASR system.
ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System
The specific recalled systems are the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System. Each product is made of metal and used to replace a worn or weakened part of the hip. A hip consists of a socket at the outer edge of the pelvis and a rounded bone atop the thigh bone that fits into that socket like a ball. The ASR Hip Resurfacing System replaces the ball portion of the hip and has a metal stem that fits into the top of the hip bone, or femur. It is a metal-on-metal hip replacement system. DePuy's hip resurfacing product, a form of hip replacement arthroplasty, is designed to provide patients with an alternative to total hip replacement where less bone could be removed and less hip dislocations occur. Unfortunately those benefits are greatly outweighed by the dangers of DePuy's defective hip replacement.
All of the major orthopedic medical device companies manufacture their own version of "metal on metal" hip implants, and several have said that the metallic debris problem does not pose a significant risk. However, an increasing number of orthopaedic surgeons and experts disagree. In a recent editorial in the Journal of Arthroplasty, the medical journal warned doctors to avoid the use of the metal hip implants, and said they should only be used "with great caution."
Health care professionals warn about dangers of metal-on-metal implants
Health care professionals have increasingly been warning about problems with metal-on-metal hip implants, which can shed metal particles into the body. The particles can damage soft tissue, cause inflammatory reactions and lead to bone loss.
Failures more common in patients with a smaller stature
DePuy officials say that ASR hip implant failures are most likely to occur in patients of smaller stature, including women and individuals with weak bones. The FDA has received complaints from about 300 recipients since 2008, most of whom had to undergo another round of hip surgery to replace the defective ASR hip implants.
The ASR XL Acetabular System is a concave metal piece used to provide a smooth lining for the acetabulum, the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvis. Many patients have experienced hip failures soon after the device was implanted, leading to an additional expensive and painful hip replacement surgery, not to mention additional months of rehabilitation.
DePuy Recall does not require hip implants be removed
The DePuy hip recall does not require patients to have implants removed. Instead, DePuy Orthopedics advised patients with its ASR hip parts to visit their surgeons for evaluation of device performance. It also recommended yearly monitoring and said it plans to cover "reasonable and customary costs" linked to the recall. If you have had your hip replaced with a Johnson & Johnson Depuy Hip Replacement device it may be defective and you need to seek advice from your physician as well as an experienced attorney.
Most of the common problems leading to repeat surgery included loosening parts, infections, fractures, dislocation, sensitivity to metal and pain. If you or a loved one have or have had any of these symptoms you may be entitled to compensation. Marcus & Mack are now offering free case evaluations to those who have received a defective DePuy hip. You may not be sure of the brand of hip implants you received, our law office can help you get the answers you need and decide if a law suit is warranted. Contact us today at 866-527-2161(Toll Free) to speak to a Pennsylvania defective product attorney or contact our DePuy hip replacement recall lawyers via email for a free evaluation of your defective hip implant case.
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