JOHNSON & JOHNSON DEPUY HIP REPLACEMENT RECALL

High Failure Rates of the DePuy ASR Hip Replacement

Data from the British Hip Society have revealed a failure rate of 21% at 4 years and 49% at 6 years for the recalled DePuy ASR XL hip device. This means a patient has an almost 50% chance of needing a revision surgery to replace the ASR with a new hip replacement device after only 6 years. The DePuy ASR hip replacement, recalled in August 2010, has been failing for various reasons such as cup loosening, metallosis and high levels of cobalt-chromium ions in a patient’s body. The DePuy hip replacement recall letter mailed to doctors and patients back in August noted revision rates of 13% after 5 years, which were already higher than industry standards. Now, with new information revealing a possible revision rate of 50%, even more patients are expected to have problems with the device and in need of a revision surgery.

The Problem with the DePuy ASR

The main problem of the DePuy ASR hip replacement arises out of its defective design. The acetabular component (cup) is sub-hemispherical and does not provide enough coverage for the femoral head (ball) to move freely, and the ball consequently comes in contact with the edge of the cup. Because of the contact, metal debris is released into the blood stream and the immune system is not able to get rid of so many foreign particles in the body. Great amounts of metal debris in the body lead to metallosis, the destruction of bone and soft tissue around the implant, and inflammatory reactions, and patients often require a revision surgery to replace the DePuy ASR hip replacement device with a new hip implant.

Recommendations for Patients

The best way to ensure that your ASR is functioning properly is to schedule a visit with your doctor and to have MRI or x-rays and blood tests done. The medical images will show if there is any cup loosening or bone or tissue damage around the implant. Since metal debris in the blood stream is so dangerous, the blood tests will reveal if the blood metal ion concentration levels are within the normal range. It is recommended that a patient has these tests done every year for at least five years after the surgery, even if he or she has no symptoms or pain.

Your Legal Rights

Although DePuy Orthopaedics has stated that the company will pay for 'reasonable and customary' costs of treatments and revision surgery, you may be entitled to receive damages for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering resulting from the injury. Our offices filed one of the first cases in the United States against DePuy Orthopaedics and is presently prosecuting cases on behalf of clients across the U.S. We offer a free and personal consultation to evaluate your claim against DePuy and we only take on cases on a contingency fee basis-you do not pay unless we obtain a recovery for your damages.

With over 30 years of experience in product liability litigation, Gregg J. Borri Law Offices can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

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Disclaimer

Use of this website or contacting Gregg J Borri Law Offices does not form an attorney client relationship. An attorney client relationship may only be formed by entering into a written engagement agreement that is signed by the attorney and you.

The information furnished herein is general information and does not constitute legal advice.

Gregg J Borri Law Offices is only prosecuting product liability claims against DePuy Orthopaedics for the design, manufacture, and sale of the DePuy ASR hip implant metal cup and metal ball. Gregg J Borri Law Offices is not pursuing malpractice claims against doctors that recommended or implanted the device.

Trademark Notice

The terms Johnson & Johnson, DePuy, DePuy ASR XL Acetabular system and DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing system are trademarks of DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., and are used solely for informational and product identification purposes. Borri Law Offices is not affiliated with DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.