DePuy ASR Hip Recall Information
On August 26, 2010 DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. announced a recall of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular and DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing Systems. DePuy's decision to recall the hip replacement systems by was made in part because failure of the hip replacement systems have required numerous patients to undergo a second hip replacement procedure. Approximately 93,000 of these hip replacement devices have been implanted worldwide (the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System was not approved for use in the United States). Although DePuy only announced the recall on August 26, 2010, the company began warning doctors that the implants may have a high rate of failure in some patients in March.
Recent data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales has received prominence, which showed 12% of ASR Hip Resurfacing System and 13% of the ASR XL Acetablular System needing a second hip replacement within 5 years. However, there have been numerous signs pointing to problems with these hip replacement systems, which are part of a metal-on-metal bearings class of joint replacement systems. These devices can generate debris that sometimes leads to inflammation and tissue damage. The New York Times has published multiple articles about the problems and potential for more widespread problems for persons with these implants. The newspaper articles included statements from prominent orthopedic surgeons that "most major medical centers have seen issues with this device". The FDA has received hundreds of complaints from patients with the devices and there have been numerous hip replacement lawsuits filed in the last several years. The DePuy hip replacement lawsuits allege the company of manufacturing a defective product, failing to warn patients and doctors of problems with the implant and negligence in designing, manufacturing and selling the product. With a 12 - 13% rate of premature failure, it's likely that 11,000 or more people will now need to undergo a second complicated and painful hip replacement procedure.
DePuy Hip Recall Information
Patients who have a DePuy ASR XL Acetabular or DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System should receive a letter informing them of the recall. The first step is to consult your doctor. If you have experienced problems with your DePuy ASR hip replacement system a surgery for a secondary hip replacement will be likely. In other cases additional tests and monitoring may become necessary.
In it's recall notice, DePuy stated that it "intends to cover reasonable and customary costs of monitoring and treatment", which include hip replacement surgery. Although the company will release the procedure for reimbursement at a later date, it did state that patients will need to pay for any costs they incur and then DePuy will reimburse people for "reasonable and customary expenses" at a later date. The company further stated that such reimbursement will be subject to confirmation of eligibility, which requires the completion of various documentation, x-rays, the removed devices and other medical information.
Johnson & Johnson Defective Products and Lawsuits
DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Inc. with $5.4 billion in sales last year. Recently the company has also recalled children's Tylenol and Accuvue contact lenses in Asia. The FDA also recently sent DePuy a warning letter stating that the company had illegally marketed a knee replacement device and sold a hip replacement system for an unapproved use. This has led a number of experts that study the industries in which Johnson & Johnson is involved to question whether there is a systemic problem within the company.
DePuy Hip Recall Legal Help
If you or a loved one is required to undergo a second hip replacement surgery because of the DePuy hip recall, that may not cover the significant expenses, pain and ongoing suffering associated with a second surgery and the recovery and rehabilitation that will be required. You have legal options and rights and if you need a hip recall lawyer, we're here to help.
Onder, Shelton, O'Leary & Peterson, LLC is a law firm handling serious injury and death claims across the country. Its mission is the pursuit of justice, no matter how complex the case or strenuous the effort. Onder, Shelton, O'Leary & Peterson has represented clients throughout the United States, and other firms throughout the nation often seek its experience and expertise on complex litigation. For more information, visit www.onderlaw.com or call 1-877-ONDER-LAW.
DePuy Hip Recall Information:
- Attorneys Launch DePuy Hip Recall Information Website
- DePuy Hip Recall Is an Ugly Turn of Events for the Hip Replacement Patients to Whom It Gave New Life
- DePuy Hip Recall Provided Somber Labor Day Weekend News for Unfortunate Hip Replacement Patients with the DePuy ASR Replacement Hip
- Thousands Contemplate Hip Recall Lawsuits in the Weeks Following the DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Recall
