Defective Hip Implant Devices Recalled by DePuy | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Orthopedic equipment company DePuy, which i owned by Johnson & Johnson, has recalled two hip replacement systems.

The recall involves the articular surface replacement (ASR) hip systems sold over the past eight years. According to DePuy, data from the United Kingdom indicates that 12 percent of resurfacing patients — and a slightly higher percentage of full replacement patients — need a second hip replacement within five years of receiving the implanted devices. Such second hip replacements are also called revision surgeries.

The Food and Drug Administration received 400 complaints from patients about the ASR systems, according to the New York Times. The devices can cause cause severe pain and health complications when they fail.

Anyone who has undergone a hip replacement surgery can tell you what a painful medical treatment it is, necessitating a slow recovery and change in lifestyle. To think that patients must have a second surgery to cope with a faulty device is just inexcusable.

Take a look at this special report on the recall.

The companies that make medical devices have a responsibility to ensure that their devices are safe for the public. When they fail to do so, as DePuy did in this case, they can be held liable for additional surgeries, other medical costs, as well as pain and suffering of the victims. If you or someone that you love has been negatively affected by a faulty medical product, contact medical device attorneys who offer a free consultation.

IW