DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Reaches Global Scale

Since their manufacture, two DePuy hip replacement devices have been filed complaints against in the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration. Numerous reports indicated that the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System were found to fail too early for an artificial hip. After the initial hip surgery, recipients find that the devices fail within 5 years. Victims often complain of pain, numbness and difficulty walking. In extreme cases, a total revision surgery is required.

Ninety-three units of the said ASRs were recalled worldwide in August 2010. Concerned recipients have consulted with their orthopedist to have themselves assessed for any damage the defective implants may have inflicted. The implants were discovered to have a design flaw that made its components rub together which leaks metal ions onto neighboring bone and tissue. This in turn could lead to cobalt and chromium poisoning.

Unlike in the United States, other countries such as Australia and Great Britain have started to withdraw the DePuy devices at an earlier time. Written alerts from the company were issued in April and May of 2010. In an attempt to persuade recipients in Europe to hand over their surgically removed hip implant, DePuy requested affiliated doctors to convince their patients to sign over the right to their hip devices. Lawyers vehemently advise their clients not to sign any documents until they get to read it since there is reason to believe DePuy might destroy vital evidence when they get their hands on the implant and medical records.

Similarly, in the United States, DePuy have given orthopedists a letter for them to give their patients. The letter have the following included: a sample patient cover letter, an information for patient letter, and a medical release form which when signed, would grant DePuy access to the patients medical records and if the case applies, the explanted hip replacement.

You medical information is yours to keep. You should be wary about giving away your rights to the same company that has placed you in harms way in the first place. It is best to speak with a hip lawyer who would protect your rights and interests and would help you in your fight to recover the losses you have been put through. For more important details on the matter, you might want to visit the DePuy hip replacement recall site.