Recently, The New York Times cited a study that observed the outcomes of hip replacement surgeries over a five year period. It found that none of the modern, all-metal hip implants outlasted older versions and 30% were worse and caused more complications by comparison. The metal-on-metal ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement, manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, is believed to have a design flaw. This flaw has caused many patients to require hip revision surgery shortly after the placement of the implant.
The Times state that “the friction of metal parts – the ball and joint – rubbing against each other create splinters that can cause infection and other damage to the people who host these devices.” Estimations predict that the all-metal devices account for about 33% of the 250,000 hip implants that are put into patients on an annual basis. The Times estimate that 500,000 patients host the all-metal implants.
There are several manufacturers of these flawed devices, the two largest being DePuy Orthopaedics, (a division of Johnson & Johnson) and Zimmer Holdings. As of October 2011, DePuy division has recalled 40,000 of its all-metal implants. Already, 3,500 patients have filed suit against Johnson & Johnson. Meanwhile, the Times said that Zimmer Holdings claimed that “it’s all metal implants are safe,” and “hundreds of patient claims” were settled.
There is no tracking within the industry, nor by the US government to determine the frequency of hip replacement failures. However, it is estimated that the allegedly flawed all-metal hip replacements will cost their manufacturers millions of dollars in legal fees and settlement costs.
If you or a loved one has had complications following a hip replacements surgery, contact the Law Firm of Rudolph F. X. Migliore, P.C. at (631) 543-3663 to arrange a free case evaluation. With over three decades of experience, the firm is well-positioned to help victims of defective hip replacements. Rudolph F.X. Migliore, P.C. works with nationally recognized co-counsel to obtain major verdicts and settlements. Visit: www.migliorelaw.com/personal-injury/dangerous-medical/depuy-hip
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