About The DePuy Hip Recall

Several weeks ago Johnson & Johnson, in conjunction with its DePuy Orthopaedics subsidiary, announced a major recall for hip implants after it was discovered the implants loosened, causing pain and requiring replacement. At issue is the high rate of repeat surgeries needed by people who have received the parts. An estimated 93,000 people will be affected by Johnson & Johnson’s latest product recall.

Affected hip replacement parts involved in the recall include the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System, which is the cup portion of a replacement hip joint, and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. The high failure rate has been attributed to the design of the hip components. Small pieces of metal are released into surrounding tissue, preventing the device from bonding firmly with natural bone. Individuals with this device still in them will need to be monitored closely and ultimately may need hip revision surgery.

Although this recall is voluntary, DePuy also received a warning letter from the FDA that charges the company is marketing some other joint replacement products without required approval.

Patients who reported problems in the first five years and had revision surgery reported a variety of symptoms, including pain, swelling and problems walking. These symptoms are normal for patients following a hip replacement, but can be a sign that something is wrong if they continue or come back frequently. These symptoms may indicate serious problems, including:

• Loosening when the implant does not stay attached to the bone in the correct position
• Fracture where the bone around the implant may have broken
• Dislocation where the two parts of the implant that move against each other are no longer aligned

Please contact your orthopaedic surgeon to determine whether you received a DePuy ASR hip implant. If you don’t know who performed your hip replacement surgery, ask your primary care physician or the hospital where the surgery took place.

In the event that you are a recipient of a defective hip implant, contact a Milwaukee injury lawyer from PKSD today. Our legal team can review the details of your claim and determine if there is a path available for you to pursue financial compensation.

PKSD – Free consultation. Ph: 414-333-3333.