On August 26, 2010, the Johnson & Johnson subdivision known as DePuy recalled the DePuy ASR Hip Replacement System due to the overwhelming number of individuals who have experienced serious complications due to the implant. The recalled DePuy Total Hip System has been implanted in individuals since 2005 in the United States and since 2001 internationally. This has resulted in over 93,000 individuals who have received the DePuy Total Hip Replacement System. Below, the DePuy Recall is discussed in a clear and understandable format to help individuals explore the issues that might be affecting them.
What are the Specific Problems?
The DePuy ASR Hip Implant system has caused thousands of individualís difficulty in performing even the most simple daily tasks, causing unnecessary stress for individuals who have already experienced the traumatic event of undergoing an invasive and serious surgery. Further, the DePuy Hip System has caused approximately 1 out of every 8 individuals to undergo at least one corrective surgery in order to completely remove the DePuy device. Some of the physical complaints patients experienced and expressed after receiving the initial operation have included:
– Pain
– Swelling
– Inflammation
– Difficulty walking
– Trouble bending
These symptoms can continue months and even years after the initial implantation of the DePuy device. Further, these symptoms may be a sign of a larger problem, such as an infection or damage to the hip area as a result of the DePuy metal on metal device defects.
Why is the DePuy Device Causing these Symptoms?
The DePuy ASR Hip Replacement System is a metal on metal device that has multiple issues that has resulted in individuals needing the second corrective surgery to completely remove it. Specifically, the ASR Hip is designed to mirror a person’s natural hip, utilizing a ball and socket that move against each other in order to function as a person’s natural hip would when moving. However, this back and forth movement of the metal ball in the metal socket creates friction and then produces metal shavings that become lodged within the socket as well as the surrounding soft tissue of the individual. A person’s body may have different reactions to this metal build up, including creating fluid to collect in the joint and in the muscles around the joint, resulting in severe pain and swelling that could damage the muscles, bones, and nerves around the person’s hip area.
Further, the DePuy ASR Hip System also has problematic issues that include the device loosening. The metal on metal device is constantly rubbing against itself, causing metal shavings, as well as becoming loose. Once the device becomes loose it may not stay attached to the bone in the correct position in the person’s hip. Thus, creating severe pain, swelling, difficulty moving, and even bone fractures.
Dislocation of the device is also a troubling element, where the two parts of the implant move against each other become dislocated, and no longer are aligned, the device may actually cause the bones in the area to break, fracture, or become severely bruised.
What You Can Do
If you have had hip surgery since July 2003, you may have received the recalled DePuy ASR Total Hip System. With medical test and legal guidance you may be awarded financial compensation. Contact the Berniard Law Firm for help throughout this difficult process. You do not have to go through this ordeal alone. Damages patients may be entitled to include pain and suffering, past and future pain, lost earnings, medical bills, disfigurement, monitoring, and rehabilitative and pharmaceutical costs.
The Berniard Law Firm will provide the best advice and guidance and is fully capable of meeting your litigation needs. Call the Berniard Law Firm at Toll Free 504-521-6000 and an attorney will be more than happy to help you get the financial support you deserve.