A couple from Wisconsin is alleging serious injuries from DePuy ASR metal poisoning, and is joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL consists of other claims alleging DePuy ASR metal poisoning, with many of the claimants having had to undergo revision surgery to resolve their injuries.

Plaintiff couple Norman L. and Carol L. filed this claim together, with Norman alleging he developed DePuy ASR metal poisoning soon after the metal-on-metal hip replacement was implanted.

The DePuy ASR hip implant was marketed as a safe and effective product for patients looking to restore damaged hip function, and is composed of all metal implant components.

According to the claim, Norman had the DePuy ASR hip replacement system implanted for typical treatment purposes and had no reason to believe he was at risk for serious device complications. Norman had the DePuy ASR hip replacement system implanted on his right side on June 26, 2009, but reportedly developed serious device complications soon after.

Norman reportedly developed tingling and pain in his right hip, which caused him to suffer sleeping problems. In addition, he says he developed pain in his groin, and his pain was the worst when he slept on his right side.

According to doctor notes, Norman had elevated cobalt levels in his blood at several doctor appointments. He says he was eventually diagnosed with cobalt poisoning. Norman says he eventually had to undergo revision surgery on Feb. 20, 2018, in which the metal-on-metal hip replacement system was explanted.

Norman says he has been contending with the long term effects of metal on metal hip replacement failure ever since, and opted to file legal action after discovering other patients had reported suffering severe metal hip implant complications from the DePuy ASR hip implant.

Overview of Metal on Metal Hip Implant Complications

DePuy ASR metal poisoning stems from the all metal ball-and-socket joints interacting and releasing metal ions into the bloodstream, which can cause a multitude of other problems including:

• Metallosis (blood metal poisoning)
• Fretting
• Corrosion
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tissue Death
• Formation of pseudotumors

These complications often force patients to undergo revision surgery, which is riskier than the initial implant procedure due to a higher risk of infection.

At least half a million patients in the United States have had to undergo hip replacement surgery, with many of them having opted for the DePuy ASR hip implant. However, numerous patients have reported DePuy ASR metal poisoning and have suffered serious device complications.

The FDA eventually announced a recall of the DePuy ASR hip implant in August 2010. Later, DePuy agreed to a settlement resolving a slew of ASR lawsuits. This settlement is for patients who had to undergo revision surgery due to complications related to the DePuy ASR hip implant.

Even though DePuy ASR metal poisoning can be devastating to patients, the company allegedly failed to warn the public. At all times relevant, Norman and Carol say they relied on the marketing materials and product information provided by DePuy and were allegedly not aware of the potential device complications.

Norman states he would not have agreed to have the metal on metal hip replacement system implanted, if he knew the risk of DePuy ASR metal poisoning. Norman and Carol’s metal hip lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2197, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar device complications.

This DePuy ASR Metal Poisoning Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20088-JJH, in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division.