For many of the hip-replacement patients, a hip replacement surgery is particularly difficult due to the invasive nature of the procedure and the lengthy recovery time.
As a lawyer who frequently works with the elderly, I have witnessed how a hip replacement procedure can really negatively impact the quality of life. Sadly, hip replacement surgeries in many elderly people results in a rapid downward spiral in their physical and psychological well-being. Some studies suggest that more than 25% of patients over 65-years-old will die within a year of the procedure.
What if the hip replacement only resulted in additional pain?
Or what if the procedure needed to be repeated?
Unfortunately, many hip replacement patients who received artificial hips and various parts manufactured by DePuy, a division of Johnson and Johnson, their original hip replacement may have resulted in both additional pain and the need for a revisionist surgery.
On August 26, 2010, DePuy issued a product recall for their: DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. The product recall came after numerous medical studies confirmed that the DePuy products failed to perform as they were intended– and marketed to the public.
For some patients who received these defective products, a second or third revisionist hip replacement surgery was necessary due to various defects medical experts relate to metal-on-metal contact that is used in DePuy products. The design of the DePuy devices has resulted in high product failure rates and splintering of the metal into the patients body.
Given the severe problems associated with DePuy hip replacement products, people who have received DePuy have legal rights related to their pain, disability and medical expenses. Currently, no class action has been formed and injured individuals can pursue their claim directly against DePuy. If you have questions as to weather you are a recipient of a DePuy device, you can obtain that information from your surgeon or medical center.
If you have suffered an injury due to a defective hip replacement product or have questions regarding your legal rights. Please fill out our contact form or call and speak to a medical device lawyer today. (800) 926-7565.
Related:
Johnson & Johnson Unit Recalls 2 Hip Replacement Systems, Medscape Today by Robert Lowes
Johnson & Johnson Recalls Hip Implants, New York Times, Natash Singer, August 26, 2010