In August 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson company) issued a Recall Notice on all of its ASR products, including the DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System (approved for use outside the U.S.) and the ASR™ XL Acetabular System (approved worldwide). These devices experienced higher than expected early failure rates.
These devices first became available in July 2003. The ASR units are in a class of hip replacement products known as metal-on-metal implants, a technology that is only about ten years old. The metal-on-metal implants became popular as they were thought to be superior to earlier implant devices. These units replace the bone “ball-and-socket” found in a natural hip with parts made of metals such as cobalt and chromium.
The devices can come loose, fracturing the bone around the implant. They also can deposit metal particles into the bloodstream and cause other medical problems. The defective and dangerous replacement hips have already been implanted in patients. Thus, patients who have already undergone one surgical procedure to replace a hip now must undergo a “revision” (e.g., a second surgery).
DeBlasio Law Group, LLC has assembled a legal team to field inquiries regarding these dangerous implants from affected patients. The Firm is not pursuing claims on a class action basis, which would likely diminish the potential recovery for individual patients. For a free initial consultation, please contact attorney Antonio DeBlasio, Managing Member of DeBlasio Law Group, LLC at (630) 560.1123. For more information on the Firm and its extensive background in complex litigation, visit our website at www.DeBlasioLawGroup.com.