Florida Hip Depuy Attorney

Thousands of people have turned to hip implants for the promise of reduced pain and greater mobility. Unfortunately, many have discovered a harsh reality that the hip device failures can result in long-term health and financial burdens. Complications from DePuy implants have immobilized individuals and interfered with their ability to work or participate in their daily activities. Patients have continuously experienced excruciating pains, difficulty walking, inflammation, and tumors of all sorts. Many have realized that revision surgeries can be more complex than the initial hip replacement surgery and cost thousands more. Apparently, the all-metal devices were supposed to last longer than other implants on the market. Instead, they failed impulsively in thousands. There has also been a concern that companies that made the defective products failed to warn the public about the risks.

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On August 26, 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, voluntarily recalled the ASR XL Acetabular System (total hip replacement) and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System (partial hip replacement) because they both have high failure rates. The implants can slip out of the hip socket, causing severe pain and making a second hip replacement surgery necessary. The DePuy ASR implants were displayed to be defective due to design flaws because the implant is metal-on-metal.

Like the Wright Medical Profemur Z Hip implant, the DePuyASR hip implant (Pinnacle) also uses a metal-on-metal design. The implant cup and ball are made of chromium and cobalt. Medical studies have shown that high cobalt levels can be toxic and can cause serious adverse health effects in metal-on-metal hip implant patients. Documented symptoms of cobalt poisoning can include blindness, trouble thinking, deafness, headaches, rashes, low thyroid, heart muscle disease, and nerve damage.

The Food and Drug Administration sent the company a warning letter, contending that DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., had illegally marketed an unapproved knee device and had also sold a hip implant for an unapproved use. Some orthopedic surgeons and joint specialists believe that the ASR hip implant has a basic design flaw (defective medical device) that makes it difficult to implant.

Hip implants are generally expected to last up to 15 years. Research shows that the DePuy devices have a 12-13% failure rate within the first few years of implantation, which is almost double the industry average. One out of eight patients who received a DePuy ASR Hip System required new surgery within five years.

Some of the pain and suffering endured is that as patients continue to struggle with mobility, they are unable to enjoy activities they used to participate in. Loss wages due to time lost has been a major issue. A simple activity as going to the bathroom can be an ordeal. Many have experienced damaged relationship between spouses and have been deprived regular spousal companionship and comfort. Handling regular chores has been almost impossible and that includes taking care of their children.

Approximately 93,000 victims worldwide received the defective and dangerous DePuy replacement hip implant. Signs that the implant may be failing include or may be defective include:

• Hip, thigh, or groin pain
• Pain and difficulty while walking
• Pain when standing from a seated position
• Pain with weight bearing
• Swelling or inflammation

The experienced defect product and product liability lawyers at Zimmerman & Frachtman defend and seek justice for victims of defective medical products. If you have experienced complications after being implanted with a Depuy ASR XL Acetabular System implant, you may be able to file a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Zimmerman & Frachtman law firm are equipped with state-of-the-art technology as well as access to the most highly trained professionals. This ensures that all our cases are organized; our presentations are forceful and effective. All our cases are meticulously prepared.

If you or a loved one has been implanted with a recalled DePuy ASR Hip Implant and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact us here or call (954) 504-6577. We offer free consultations and charge you only if we win your case.