DuPuy plans to discontinue all-metal hip replacements

June 05, 2013

Following mass recalls and widespread complaints of injury and early failure, DuPuy Orthopedics, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced recently that it plans to phase out production of its all-metal hip replacements. DuPuy has been beset by lawsuits over the allegedly defective devices, which many patients say have failed prematurely, resulting in injuries and other health problems.

All-metal hip replacements were once viewed as a promising improvement over older, mixed-material devices, which typically included plastic as well as metal parts. The all-metal versions, in which both the ball and socket were made from metal, were expected to be more durable than traditional mix-material implants. At the height of their popularity, all-metal hip replacements accounted for about one-third of all artificial hip implants in the U.S., according to the New York Times.

Lawsuits allege early failure, injuries

Despite high hopes, however, the all-metal artificial hips failed quickly in many patients as a result of the metal parts rubbing together. Not only did the all-metal devices need to be replaced sooner than other artificial hips, the lawsuits allege, but in some cases the rubbing of metal on metal resulted in tiny particles being released into the body, causing further damage to the patients' bones, muscles and other tissues.

In 2010, Johnson & Johnson issued a recall of an all-metal hip implant known as the Articular Surface Replacement, or ASR, due to high rates of early failure. After the recall, however, the company continued to sell an all-metal version of another model called the Pinnacle, which it claims is safe and performs comparably to other hip replacements. The New York Times reports that DePuy is facing approximately 10,000 lawsuits in relation to the ASR model and another 3,300 cases relating to the all-metal Pinnacle.

Secondary effects of device failure

Along with the pain and other risks ordinarily associated with hip replacement surgery, some patients who received defective all-metal hip implants have experienced other complications, including dislocation and fractures. The devices have also been blamed for other health problems in some patients, including damage to the heart, kidneys, nerves and thyroid system. These issues may be linked to the shedding of metal particles from the implants.

Patients who suffer an adverse reaction to a defective hip implant or other medical device often must undergo additional surgeries and other medical procedures to replace the device and address any related problems. This can add to the pain and suffering they have already experienced, as well as extending the recovery period and further impeding their ability to work or participate in day-to-day activities.

Contact an attorney

If you or a loved one has experienced health problems that you believe may be related to a defective hip replacement or other medical device, contact an experienced attorney to learn about your options for pursuing a remedy through the legal system.

Article provided by David J. Raimondo & Associates
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