What hip implants are subject to the recall?

Data indicates that the ASR XL Acetabular System implant and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System implant are subject to early failure. These implants have been designed by DePuy Orthopedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, and were released in 2003 and belatedly recalled by the company after facing lawsuits in Australia and then the United States. The implants at issue would have generally been implanted after 2002. It is estimated that 12-13% of the implants have failed which causes pain and possibly a replacement hip surgery. Due to the aging baby boomer generation, there are many individuals who had hip replacement surgery post 2002.

What signs indicate that I am having problems with my implant?

Initially, some signs would include difficulty walking, thigh or groin pain, pain upon weight bearing, pain upon extended standing, hip pain, swelling and pain. If these symptoms persist over a length of time, then it could indicate that you have a fracture near or around the implant, a dislocation of the implants ball and socket and/or fracture of the bone around the implant. Due to the metal on metal design, it has also been reported that microscopic cobalt and chromium ions are able to enter the bloodstream. This is particularly troubling for pregnant women. Further, it is possible to have signs and symptoms without increased chromium and cobalt ions in your blood.

Do not sign any custom patient consent forms from DePuy

Reports have come out that DePuy has issued custom written medical authorizations that would enable DePuy to obtain your medical records and allow DePuy to conduct tests on any removed ASR components. If the defective implant is in the possession of DePuy, then it would be more difficult for the victim to mount a successful suit against DePuy. These custom authorizations have been provided to physicians around the country who are requesting that their patients sign these forms without first consulting with an attorney. If you have received such a form, it is of utmost importance for you to speak with an experienced attorney to make sure that you are not giving up any of your rights to make a claim or file a lawsuit against DePuy.

The current lawsuits against DePuy allege negligent design, testing, manufacture and failure to warn

DePuy’s defense to the lawsuits have basically centered on blaming the surgeon for improper surgical technique. However, medical experts have countered that with articles from the Journal of Orthopedic Advances and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery which show that the failure is not due to physician error. Some of the lawsuits have maintained that the design of the implant by DePuy was rushed through due to competition among manufacturers and the race to get the product out on the market. In the race to be first, it is believed that the design was not fully tested and that the metal on metal design actually cuts and shards the implant causing microscopic shards to enter the bloodstream and possibly cause tissue to die near the area of the implant. Some lawsuits allege that DePuy knew of defects in the implants months and possibly years before the implants were made available to the public in 2003.

DO NOT DELAY – CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TODAY

If you or your loved one has had a hip replacement after 2002 and suspect that the implant was manufactured by DePuy, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford, we are currently accepting DePuy Implant recall cases in Georgia and throughout the country and can provide you a free consultation over the phone. All such consultations will be kept in strict confidentiality and you do not need to pay for your hip surgery lawsuit until or unless it is successful in court or in an out-of court settlement. Do not delay. Contact the Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford and obtain peace of mind.