DePuy Hip Recall Lawsuit

If you have had undergone hip replacement surgery after 2003, it is important that you determine what type of hip implant was used. This is important because DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. has issued a DePuy hip recall of two of their popular hip replacement devices. The recall concerns the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip System.

The easiest way to determine what type of device was used in your surgery is to contact your doctor or surgeon. It is important to note that there are other hip implant devices that were made by DePuy that have not been recalled, such as the Pinnacle Acetabular Cup. If you do have a recalled device, your physician will want to order several tests to see how your hip is functioning. These tests can include an x-ray, MRI and blood test.

When this DePuy hip recall was issued, it is alleged that the manufaturer contacted surgeons who used their devices. Your surgeon should notify you as well. However, if you have not heard from your surgeon, it is a good idea to take the initiative and contact them. As an aside, another way to quickly determine if you have a DePuy implant is through your medical advice ID card. This may have been given to you so that you can get through airport security. Often these ID cards will give the make and model of your device.

If you are still unclear as to what type of device you have, you can also request a copy of your medical records from the hospital where you had your surgery. You will need to complete and sign a medical authorization form.

It is important to obtain this information to determine what type of implant you have. The five year failure rate of these devices is approximately 13%. Unfortunately, if the device has failed it will be necessary to undergo a second revision surgery. While some individuals experience clear physical symptoms of hip failure, others do not.

The symptoms of hip implant failure vary from person to person. The most commonly seen symptoms are painful walking and sitting, persistent, unexplained inflammation, strange popping or grinding noises.

One of the serious side effects from these DePuy implant devices is something called metallosis, or heavy metal poisoning. This may or may not cause any outward symptoms. This condition is caused by the metal components of the hip rubbing together. Most hip implants are made from a combination of metal, plastic and/or ceramic. The DePuy hip implant is completely constructed of metal. As the components rub together, microscopic metal fragments are released into the surrounding tissue, bone and blood stream. Failure to address this condition can lead to serious bone loss, which can be catastrophic in terms of having a second revision surgery.

If you have received a DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System or DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System, it is important that you contact an attorney handling DePuy hip recall claims for advice. You have a right to be compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as your financial loss.