Depuy Hip Implant Recall 2010

DEPUY HIP REPLACEMENT 

On the 26th August 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced that they intended to recall two hip replacement products, the Artificial Surface Replacement (ASR) Hip Resurfacing System and the (ASR) XL Acetabular System. The implants were found to be leaving metal debris and eroding tissue. The implants contained a metal-on-metal moving part, the abrasion of which may cause metallosis, a build-up of cobalt and chromium ions in the soft tissue of the body. As a result, higher than expected rates of patients with a DePuy ASR hip replacement expressed the need for revision surgery after as little as one year following use of DePuy’s products and in many others it produced crippling injuries. The HSE has confirmed that approximately 70,000 hip replacements have been carried out in Ireland since 2003, the year the DePuy ASR products first came on the market, and it is estimated that 5% of these patients are affected by the recall. Of the 93,000 patients worldwide who were fitted with the implants, it is estimated that 3,516 public and private patients in Ireland have received these implants since 2003.

I THINK I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

At Brophy Solicitors our expert solicitors are strongly advising those affected by the recall or anyone with concerns to immediately contact their GP or orthopaedic surgeon to request an appointment for a medical review. You doctor will be able to discuss your concerns and arrange for a blood test to check for metal ions and/or an MRI scan. It is important that if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, whatever brand of hip replacement you have, that you contact your GP or specialist as early intervention can be key in preventing damage.

It is advised that patients do not release their medical records to DePuy nor do they authorise their hospital to return to DePuy the original ASR device if it has been removed without first seeking legal advice as to do so may jeopardise future legal proceedings.

TAKE LEGAL ADVICE WITHOUT DELAY 

As with all litigation, there are strict time limits for bringing a personal injuries claim based on medical negligence and liability for defective products. We would strongly recommend persons affected by the DePuy hip replacement recall to seek legal advice without delay. Generally speaking, the sooner you seek advice the better.