Failure Rate of DePuy ASR XL Hip Implant Rising

FORT WORTH, Texas, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent information presented at the British Hip Society Annual Conference held from March 2 -4, 2011 indicates a rise in the failure rate of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System which was manufactured and marketed by DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.  The British Orthopaedic Association has released a summary of the results of the study presented, stating that the early failure rates "range from 21% revision rate at 4 years (potentially rising to 35% if all currently known painful implants progress to revision) to 49% at 6 years for the ASR XL device."  This summary was included in an article published on the British Orthopaedic Association's website entitled "Large Diameter Metal on Metal Bearing Total Hip Replacements."

"The DePuy ASR XL Hip Replacement Systems were first sold by DePuy and Johnson & Johnson in the UK and other countries in 2003. The ASR XL was sold in the United States beginning in 2005. It now appears that patients who received these implants are experiencing failures at a staggering rate. The device was recalled by DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. on August 24, 2010. Sales of a medical product with a failure rate of 49% at six years is unconscionable. Profits over patient safety is unacceptable," said attorney John David Hart of the Law Offices of John David Hart who represents many individuals in the United States who have been injured as a result of this defective hip replacement system.

DePuy identified reasons for the failure of the hip replacement system as component loosening, component malalignment, infection, fracture of the bone, dislocation, metal sensitivity and pain. Additional complications from the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System may include increased metal ion levels in the blood, bone staining, necrosis, swelling, nerve damage, tissue damage and/or muscle damage.

The Law Offices of John David Hart is a group of experienced and dedicated legal professionals working to protect the rights of people wronged by the acts of others.  Across the country, the firm represents individuals in cases of catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, dangerous drugs and medical products, automobile and truck accidents and oil and gas litigation.  For more information, please contact John David Hart at 800.961.4278 or johnhart@hartlaw.com or visit www.hiprecallinfo.com.

SOURCE The Law Offices of John David Hart