On August 26th 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, announced that they intend to recall two hip-replacement products, the ASR ™ Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR ™ XL Acetabular System. The recall stems from data collected in the UK which shows higher than expected rates of patients requiring a second hip replacement following use of their product.
Of the 93,00 patients worldwide who were fitted with the two implants, it is estimated that 3,500 public and private patients in Ireland have received the implants since 2004. The National Joint Registry (NJR) of England and Wales, from whose findings the recall was initiated, found that 5 years after implantation approximately 12% of patients (1 in 8 patients) who had received the ASR ™ Hip Resurfacing System and 13% of patients who had received the ASR ™ XL Acetabular System required revision surgery. This means more than 400 Irish patients could require corrective procedures or a second surgery to replace the DuPuy devices. The Irish Medicines Board said it had received reports of 12 incidents involving the ASR Hip System since its introduction onto the Irish market in 2004.
Both devices are metal–on-metal hip replacements which consist of ball and socket components that move against each other. The metal in such devices may wear over time, this is not unusual, however problems associated with the ASR™ device include loosening parts, metal sensitivity, groin pain, dislocation, fractures and infections.
DePuy Orthopaedics has stated they will bear the “reasonable and customary” costs of doctor visits, tests and operations- estimated to cost between €30,000 and €50,000. DuPuy has begun the process of contacting Irish people who may be affected. However it is advised that patients do not release medical records to them, nor do they authorise their hospital to return to DuPuy the original ASR™ device if it has been removed without seeking legal advice as this may jeopardise future legal proceedings with regard to a compensation claim arising from a patient having been implanted with faulty ASR™ devices.
If you need further legal advice or representation in relation to this matter see www.petermcdonnell.ie
In 2007 i had ahip replacement which since i have had problems I recived aletter from my hospital in July 2010 about problems with hip replacements. I am still having appointments and tests. Which are ongoing. it has also affected my back causing problems. I have had pain and limited movement since the operation. before this I didnot have any of these problems.