Johnson & Johnson has voluntarily recalled the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular hip socket implant system
due to an unacceptably high failure rate.
More than 93,000 surgeries have been done world wide since the system was introduced in 2005. The hip implant recall may require as many as 12,000 patients to undergo a debilitating second hip implant replacement, called hip revision surgery.
According to the research, one in eight patients with the DePuy implant experienced failure. Symptoms of that failure include infection, bone fracture, dislocation and pain. In some cases, the implant became loose in the socket, creating even more problems.
Other complications of a failure of the DePuy Hip Implant include increased metal ion levels in the blood, bone staining, necrosis, swelling, nerve damage, tissue damage and/or muscle damage.
As a result, the hip replacement device can generate metal debris or particles which dislodge from the implant. This generates metal toxicity from chromium and cobalt debris entering a the blood stream of unsuspecting patient, even patients who have not experienced any symptoms at all.
For this reason, if you’ve had a DePuy ASR XL Acetabular hip implant, it is critical that you contact your doctor right away.
DePuy Hip System patients should receive a letter advising them that DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., has voluntarily recalled the hip replacement system and requesting that the patient be evaluated by his or her doctor.
The hip implant recall notice typically comes from the patient’s treating orthopedic surgeon and indicates that the patient should discuss any problems or symptoms that he or she is having with his/her doctor. The notice advises hip replacement patients that the doctor will explain any additional testing that the patient should have and the best solution for further treatment and testing.
Of note, the letter indicates that DePuy will pay for the medical examination and any medical follow up listed in an “Information for Patients” sheet which should accompany the letter.
The letter also includes a medical release form. Signing this form will let DePuy have access to all of your private medical records and we do not recommend that you release this information without first consulting an attorney.
If you or a loved one has had problems with the DePuy ASR XL Hip System, received a letter regarding a hip implant recall, or has been forced to endure a revision surgery, please contact us for professional insight into your legal rights.