Hip replacements generally last a decade, sometimes even two. What is presently happening with multiple hip replacement systems made by DePuy, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is unprecedented and spells potentially huge product liability trouble for the manufacturer and its parent company.
A case in point is the DePuy metal-on-metal implant – called the ASR XL Acetabular System – placed into Annie O’Neill, a 67-year-old New York resident in May 2009. Shortly after implant, the product began detaching from her acetabulum and then began emitting successively louder noises from her hip. The pain became severe, and O-Neill underwent hip revision surgery in July 2010, not much more than a year after her DePuy implant was first inserted.
Then, one month later, DePuy recalled the product, along with the ASR Hip Resurfacing System. The implants were reported as having a 13 percent and a 12 percent failure rate, respectively.
Prior to the recall, more than 90,000 of DePuy’s artificial hip systems were sold, and a steadily rising number of people – like O’Neill, alleging extreme pain – have now brought suit against the manufacturer for faulty design. Many of them are also citing the exorbitant costs they are shouldering as a result of the second remedial surgery, as well as a diminished quality of life resulting from the defective implant.
Persons with questions about personal injuries related to DePuy’s hip replacement implants or the recall should contact an experienced product liability attorney.
Related Resource: www.aboutlawsuits.com “Metal-on-Metal Hip Lawsuit Filed Against Johnson & Johnson and DePuy” November 17, 2010
