Personal Injury Law

DePuy Hip Implant Recall Spurs Another Lawsuit

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

The effects of the massive recall of hip implantation devices made by DePuy Orthopaedics continue as more individuals have filed lawsuits after suffering complications with the defective devices. Our Chicago product liability lawyers at Levin & Perconti are closely following the developments of the situation as many individuals in the Chicagoland area may have been affected by the problematic pieces of medical equipment.

DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled many of the ASR hip implant systems after data from the National Joint Registry showed that 1 in 8 patients needed corrective surgery within five years following hip implants surgeries with one of those devices. However, information has revealed that the company was aware of the problem long before the joint registry issued its reports?perhaps years earlier. However it waited before issuing the recall, allowing thousands more patients to be fitted with the defective and damaging medical device.

Typically, these hip implant systems are supposed to last 15 years before needing any corrective revision. Over 93,000 patients have received the defective hip implant devices since its creation and prior to the recall. The problem with the device centers on its metal-on-metal ball and socket design. The wear of the system creates microscopic cobalt and chromium debris which causes damage to the bone and tissue it contacts.

The Star Advertiser reported on the latest lawsuit involving a Hawaiian woman who filed suit this week. The victim had hip implant surgery over a year ago, but she began suffering pain in the hip a few months after the surgery. She continues to endure the pain, which causes her to be in constant pain and struggle to get to sleep at night. Following the DePuy recall this August, she is finally scheduled to have replacement surgery next month to help correct the problem.

Tens of thousands of other patients may have been affected by the defective medical device without yet being aware. If you have had a hip implant, be sure to contact your doctor to learn more about the status of your implant. If complications arise or if you experience pain or other problems with the implant, make sure to seek legal advice from an experienced product liability lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on November 06, 2010 (boomark / email).