DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has issued a recall of the DePuy ASR hip systems, citing a higher-than-normal failure rate of the devices. New data shows that five years after implantation, approximately 1 in 8 patients who had received either the ASR resurfacing device or the ASR total hip replacement needed to have a revision surgery. In some cases, patients have reported pain and signs of failure in as little as two to three years after surgery. For this reason, DePuy Orthopaedics is recalling its ASR™ XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System.

The implant failure can lead to health complications including loosening of the hip implant within the body and “metallosis,” a condition caused by movement of the implant which may result in the release of higher, potentially dangerous levels of chromium and cobalt ions into the body. The necessary revision surgery for a hip replacement is complicated and less successful than a first hip replacement and includes risk of infection, fracturing of the implant or the bone around the implant, or loosening of the implant.

About 93,000 of the ASR XL Acetabular Systems and the ASR Hip Resurfacing Systems have been surgically implanted worldwide. These systems first became available in July 2003. If you had your hip surgery prior to July 2003, the hip you received is not subject to this recall.

If you received the ASR XL Acetabular System or the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System and are having problems with your implant, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Blood tests or imaging scans will determine the functionality and positioning of the hip. If a blood test shows high levels of microscopic metal particles around your hip, then your surgeon may order a follow-up blood test, and ultimately may recommend replacing your hip as a result of the DePuy ASR hip recall.

As Medical Device Defect attorneys we can help
At the Didier Law Firm we have extensive experience in litigating product defect cases involving medical and surgical devices, and stand ready to bring our knowledge and expertise to bear for you. If we can be of assistance to you in evaluating or pursuing a product defect claim relating to the ASR hip recall, please contact Didier Law Firm immediately.