If you had hip replacement surgery since 2003, you might want to check to see if the medical device that was used is affected by this recall.
Depuy Orthopaedics manufactured artificial hip systems that are being recalled worldwide for serious issues that have arisen concerning patient safety and product failure.
The ASR XL Acetabular Hip System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System have been recalled by DePuy. The company has put up a guide and a help line at http://www.depuy.com/asr-hip-replacement-recall
By the company's own statements, about 1 in every 8 affected units are failing, requiring an additional hip revision surgery. Because these units were used worldwide for several years, that means that there are plenty of people affected by this recall that might not even know about it. As you can imagine, when a company recalls its medical device that was surgically implanted into your body and his currently holding a crucial joint in your body together, acting on this recall is a little more complicated than returning the device to the store.
DePuy is offering to cover "reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment" associated with this ASR recall. There may also be reimbursement for lost wages and other out-of-pocket costs.
The DePuy ASR hip system might loosen, break, or dislocate, leading to pain, swelling and immobility. The metal-on-metal construction of the DePuy hip has been seen to wear down, releasing metal particles into the blood. While the company states that this is "expected", it admits that the release of these particles can lead to problems in some patients.
Stoneking Law is investigating DePuy hip recall claims. If you would like to speak to a Minnesota attorney about this DePuy hip recall, contact us at 1-800-241-9036.