Defective Hip Replacement Device
Baltimore,Maryland, & Delaware
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has received hundreds of adverse event reports regarding defective hip implant or hip replacement devices. Many of these reports concern patients who have had hip replacements or hip resurfacing with devices manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson.
DePuy Hip Implant Devices
In August of 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics recalled two of their hip implant devices. The recall was prompted by hundreds of DePuy hip implant patients needing revision surgeries in a much shorter time interval than what is normally anticipated for hip implant patients because of severe pain, loosening of the device, and even infection. Over 93,000 patients worldwide have received these potentially faulty hip implant devices.
Hip implants such as those manufactured and distributed by DePuy Orthopaedics consist of metal-on-metal bearings. Many patients develop inflammation, tissue damage, and infection as a result of debris produced while walking and performing daily activities. The debris from the metal-on-metal implant can cause serious injury, which can be corrected only by surgical revision.
The two hip implant devices recalled by DePuy are:
- ASP Hip Resurfacing System – a partial hip replacement that places a metal cap over the ball of the femur which is sold outside the U.S.
- ASR XL Acetabular System – a hip socket used in traditional hip replacement sold globally
It has been reported that an astonishing 12 to 13 percent of hip implants fail within five years of the patient receiving it. A more recent report suggests failure in nearly half of the implants, requiring revision surgery within 6 years.
DePuy initially stated that they were phasing out the defective devices because of low sales. However, doctors and orthopedic experts have voiced concern because the devices were not recalled sooner due to high failure rates.
DePuy has offered to pay the out-of-pocket costs of surgical revision associated with the recall, but patients and their families should consult with a defective hip implant attorney before signing or giving any documents to the manufacturer. Our defective hip implant lawers are available to discuss your defective hip implant case in and around Baltimore, Mayrland and throughout Delaware.
While not recalled, the DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implant system has also been the subject of numerous adverse event reports. Metal particles from friction caused by the constantly moving parts of the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement system can be released, which may lead to metal toxicity. Moreover, patients with Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implant systems can develop hip pain or loosening of the device, which may require surgery.
Defective Product Attorneys
Manufacturers of medical devices have legal obligations to provide safe products for patients. Voluntary recalls and announcements often come too late for seriously injured patients who may need a second surgery.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a defective hip implant device, please contact the experienced defective hip implant lawyers at the Law Offices of Peter Angelos for an initial case consultation. We have several offices, including Maryland and Delaware.
