Home » Law Enforcement Articles » DePuy Recalls Hip Implant Devices
DePuy Recalls Hip Implant Devices
A summer 2010 recall of DePuy's ASR hip replacement and resurfacing systems is the result of problems patients with the DePuy systems have had with metal debris and discomfort in joints.
April 22, 2011 /Law Enforcement PR News/ -- DePuy, a group of orthopedic equipment companies owned by Johnson & Johnson, has recently recalled two of its hip replacement systems.
The voluntary recall involves the Articular Surface Replacement hip replacement and hip resurfacing systems, which have only been sold for about eight years. The company claims that although most ASR hip replacement surgeries were successful, new data from the U.K. shows that 12 percent of resurfacing patients and 13 percent of full-replacement patients needed what the company calls "revision surgery" within five years of the devices being implanted.
Revision surgery is actually a second hip replacement.
Between 2008 and August 2010, the FDA received 400 complaints from U.S. patients about DePuy's ASR hip systems, according to the New York Times. The devices have caused many patients extreme pain and financial hardship. These hip replacements are made of metal, and over the course of time and use, the metal-on-metal wear can cause microscopic debris to accumulate in the hip joint, causing in some patients inflammation, fluid buildup or tissue deterioration.
According to the New York Times, some experts point to the design of the cup - the part of the artificial joint that simulates the hip socket - as the problem causing the metal debris.
The company recommends that patients with ASR hip devices consult their doctors for blood tests for high levels of cobalt or chromium, and for imaging to be sure the implants are functioning correctly and without harm. DePuy says it will pay "reasonable and customary" expenses related to testing and corrective procedures. Patients should medically investigate their reactions to the implants whether or not they are experiencing adverse symptoms.
The surgeries to correct the problem are extensive and recovery can take several weeks. Some patients have reported permanent pain and restricted mobility.
Victims of harmful DePuy artificial hips have started filing lawsuits nationwide in both state and federal courts against the company and its parent Johnson & Johnson. If you or a loved one suspect problems with a hip-replacement device, seek the advice of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any legal deadlines in actions for relief.
Article provided by Murphy Law Firm
Visit us at www.batonrougeinjuryaccidentattorney.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com |
|
|
Press Release Contact Information:
Findlaw PR
|
|
|
|
|
| LAW ENFORCEMENT ARCHIVE SEARCH |
|
|
| |
| SUBMIT LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS |
|
|
| |
|
|
Advertise With Us |
About Us |
Contact Us