HIP REPLACEMENT RECALL
Patients who received a DePuy ASR hip replacement could suffer from a need for a replacement at a higher rate than normal. It appears that this particular hip implant from DePuy is experiencing a higher than normal failure rate. The failure can happen as soon as one year after initial replacement surgery. This could cause devastating hip pain and potentially require additional surgery to replace the metal-on-metal hip implant.
On August 26, 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics announced a recall of their ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System used in replacement surgery, due to a 12% and 13% failure rate within the first five years of implant. At least 93,000 people worldwide have received one of the DePuy hip systems.
The ASR hip is made up of cobalt chrome ball and socket components that move against each other. Over time, the cobalt chrome material breaks down and microscopic particles are absorbed into the body. This metal ion release can damage tissue, muscles, bones and nerves around the hip.
It appears that the complications with the DePuy ASR hip may be linked to defects in the design of the hip implant. Orthopedic experts have suggested that the component has a narrow window for proper placement, which could explain the higher-than-expected DePuy ASR hip failure rate when compared with other types of hip replacement implants.
The manufacturer has announced that the DePuy ASR hip will be phased out in 2010. It may be possible to show that the risk of problems with the hip replacement device was known for a period of time by DePuy. The New York Times has reported that the FDA has received about 300 complaints of DePuy ASR hip problems since the beginning of 2008. Most of those involved situations where patients required additional surgery to replace the DePuy ASR hip implant.
Affected patients may be entitled to compensation for injuries they have suffered as a result of the failed DePuy ASR implants. At , Oddo & Babat, we are committed to holding the drug companies to their obligation to warn about the known risks of their products.
If you or a loved one has suffered complications as a result of a DePuy ASR Hip Replacement System, you should immediately contact us or call us at 212-642-0950.
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