DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Information

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson, issued a recall of hip replacement systems because of higher than expected early failure rates. The recall involves patients who have received these implants since July of 2003. Data received by the company showed that within 5 years after implantation, between 12 and 13 percent of patients (1 in 8) experienced pain, swelling, difficulty walking, and other problems that led to revision, or additional, surgery to have the implant removed and replaced. Other possible dangerous side effects have also been identified. If you or a loved one has had a DePuy hip replacement, contact The Heller Law Firm to find out more information about this recall and whether you might qualify for compensation.

What DePuy Implants are Involved in the Recall?

The recall includes the following products:

• The ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System is used for total hip replacement. The socket portion of the hip is called the acetabulum. The femoral head at the top of the thigh bone (femur) rotates within the curved surface of the acetabulum. In the replacement system, a femoral stem is inserted inside the femur, the femoral head (made of metal) connects to the stem and then fits inside the acetabulum cup (also made of metal). This product had been approved and sold worldwide, including the United States.

• The ASR Hip Resurfacing System involves covering the ball of the femur with a metal cap and replacing the hip socket (acetabulum) with a metal cup. This device had only been approved and sold outside of the U.S., however some patients in the U.S. have received this implant through a clinical trial.

Why Have These Implants Failed?

A total of about 93,000 of these devices were implanted in patients in just over five years. In that time, hundreds of patients reported symptoms such as continual hip, leg, or back pain, swelling, problems with mobility, and audible clicking sounds. It was clear that the DePuy hip replacement devices were failing at higher than expected rates. It was determined that the acetabulum cup was failing to properly affix itself to the bone in the patient. The resulting problems included:

• Loosening of the implant due to failure to stay attached to bone.
• Fracture of the bone around the implant.
• Dislocation of the implant parts.
• Swelling and infection of tissue and muscle around the hip joint.

The hip replacement components are made of chromium and cobalt metals, and the friction between the parts causes metal ions to be dispersed into the surrounding tissue and throughout the rest of the body. This prevents the proper bonding of the device and also elevates the level of heavy metals in the patient’s bloodstream. After failure of this type, the patient has little choice but to undergo revision surgery to remove and replace the hip implants with another system.

DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Attorney

DePuy and Johnson & Johnson are advising patients who have these hip implants to consult with their doctors for reevaluation of the hip replacement system’s performance, even if they currently do not show symptoms indicating failure and the need for revision surgery. It is also important to contact an attorney if you or a loved one has shown symptoms related to the failure of these devices, or if you have already had revision surgery. The attorneys at The Heller Law Firm are experienced in medical product recalls and can help you determine if you are eligible to claim full compensation for your injuries.