DePuy Hip Replacement Lawyer

There are three primary types of DePuy hip replacements: the Pinnacle Hip Replacement System, the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, and the ASR XL Acetabular System.

Contact a DePuy hip replacement lawyer as soon as possible to learn if you are eligible for a lawsuit based on any harm you suffered from complications with these devices.

DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement System

The Pinnacle hip replacement system was approved by the FDA in 2000. It is manufactured by DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

The Pinnacle is a total hip replacement system that uses a metal-on-metal design, including a femoral ball and stem and metal bearing socket.

Although the Pinnacle was not part of DePuy’s 2010 recall, the device’s design is very similar to that of the ASR XL Acetabular System, which was recalled. The Pinnacle has been known to cause serious complications in patients, and DePuy has faced litigation as a result.

DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System

The ASR Hip Resurfacing System is manufactured by DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Hip resurfacing differs from total hip replacements in that it preserves some of the original joint rather than removing all of the bone.

The ASR Hip Resurfacing System consists of a metal cap to be placed over the femoral head, as well as a one-piece metal cup that lines the acetabulum.

DePuy’s ASR Hip Resurfacing System was never approved by the FDA. During clinical trials, fractures at the femur neck were occurring to often, and DePuy withdrew their application for approval. However, the device could still be sold in other countries and at the election of U.S. doctors.

In 2010, DePuy issued a worldwide recall of the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System due to high revision rates in patients.

DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System

The ASR XL Acetabular System first became available in 2005 in the United States. It is manufactured by DePuy Synthes, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

The ASR XL Acetabular System is a total hip replacement system that uses a traditional femoral ball and stem and has a 1-piece metal bearing socket placed in the acetabulum.

DePuy was given special clearance from the FDA in 2005 to market the ASR devices without first performing clinical trials — tests to determine the safety of the products. However, the company had to recall the device in 2010 because of higher-than-normal failure rates.

Complications of the DePuy Hip Replacements

Many patients who have received DePuy hip replacement devices have experienced severe complications, any of which should be discussed with their lawyer, including:

  • Early failure rates/difficulty walking
  • Joint slippage/component loosening
  • Metallosis (metal poisoning)
  • Periprosthetic osteolysis (bone fracturing)
  • Infection
  • Dislocation of the implant
  • Pseudotumor
  • Necrosis of tissue surrounding the implant
  • Systemic injuries such as headaches, tinnitus, etc.
  • Revision surgery

Metallosis

Metallosis is especially prevalent in metal-on-metal devices. In the DePuy Pinnacle, when the metal femoral head and socket move against each other, the friction can release metal ions into the body. When there is an accumulation of metal debris, it can cause metal poisoning, or metallosis.

If a patient experiences any of the following symptoms over three months after the hip surgery, they may need additional revision surgery or the device may need to be extracted:

  • Pain in the hip, leg, or groin
  • Joint swelling around the hip
  • Difficulty walking
  • Clicking, grinding, popping or squeaking sounds from the hip area

Why Was the DePuy Hip Replacement Recalled?

Although the FDA does not require premarket testing of hip implant devices, manufacturers are obligated to design and sell safe products to the public. Additionally, they are responsible for warning patients of any risks or dangers associated with their devices. When a patient suffers significant complications or injuries due to a defective DePuy hip device, it may warrant legal action. DePuy can be held liable for the injuries suffered by the patient.

In August 2010, DePuy Orthopedics voluntarily recalled both the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, citing a higher than normal failure rate. Additionally, the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant has caused several complications to patients, but has yet to be recalled. However, you can still file a DePuy hip replacement lawsuit with the help of a qualified lawyer.

FDA Recommendations About DePuy Hip Replacements

  • If you are not having any symptoms and your orthopaedic surgeon believes your implant is functioning appropriately, you should continue to routinely follow-up with the surgeon every 1 to 2 years.
  • If you develop new or worsening problems such as pain, swelling, numbness, noise (popping, grinding, clicking or squeaking of your hip), and/or change in your ability to walk, contact your orthopaedic surgeon right away.
  • If you experience changes in your general health, including new or worsening symptoms outside your hip, let your physician know you have a DePuy hip implant.

Consult a DePuy Hip Replacement Attorney to Seek Justice

The FDA has ordered a review of all metal-on-metal hip implants due to mounting patient complaints.

Problems with metal-on-metal include, but are not limited to loosening, metallosis (ie: tissue or bone death), fracturing, and/or corrosion and fretting of these devices, which require revision surgery.

Many patients that require revision surgery due to these devices suffer significant post-revision complications.

We are investigating all cases involving metal-on-metal hip implants, including the DePuy Orthopaedics ASR XL Acetabular System and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System, recalled in August 2010; the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck stems, recalled in July 2012; the Stryker LFIT Anatomic v40 Femoral Head (recalled August 29, 2016); the DePuy Pinnacle, the Zimmer Durom Cup, the Wright Conserve, and the Biomet M2A “38mm” and M2A-Magnum hip replacement systems, which have not been recalled.

Reported problems include pain, swelling and problems walking.

The criteria specific to DePuy hip replacement lawsuits include:

  • Implanted with a DePuy ASR hip implant, Pinnacle Ultamet, or Metal-on-Metal liner
  • Underwent hip revision surgery to remove the device after November 2013 or is scheduled for revision surgery

Our DePuy hip replacement lawyers can help if you or someone you care about was harmed by a defective hip replacement device.

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