A man from New Mexico says he suffered serious device complications from the DePuy ASR hip implant device, which the manufacturer allegedly failed to warn against.

The claimant recently discovered numerous other patients who reportedly suffered similar injuries from their DePuy ASR hip implant devices, which prompted him to file legal action against the company.

The DePuy ASR hip implant device in question is a metal on metal hip replacement system, which was marketed as a safe and effective product for patients looking to restore lost hip function.

A lawsuit claims that this was the case with Kenneth R., who had the DePuy ASR hip implant device implanted on his right side on March 21, 2007. He reportedly did not suffer any initial complications after surgery, but Kenneth recently discovered that his hip implant was recalled post-insertion.

The DePuy ASR hip implant was subject to a massive recall by DePuy Orthopaedics and parent company Johnson & Johnson in August 2010.

Metal Hip Recall

The DePuy hip recall was reportedly conducted after the companies received numerous injury reports from patients alleging severe complications from metallosis and other problems often associated with metal on metal hip implants.

During the time Kenneth had been discussing different prosthetic options with his orthopedic physician, the allegedly defective nature of the DePuy ASR hip implant was reportedly not discussed or mentioned on the product’s warning label.

Without warning, Kenneth had no reason to believe he was at serious risk for metal on metal hip implant complications, and was surprised when his blood work showed he had dangerously high levels of cobalt and chromium.

According to the DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit, Kenneth had the metal on metal hip replacement system explanted on Feb. 20, 2018, but still continues to suffer from long-term side effects.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip Implant Device Complications

The FDA announced that certain models of the DePuy ASR hip implant device were being voluntarily recalled from the market on Aug. 24, 2010, which affected 93,000 units worldwide, including 37,000 units in the United States.

This recall was issued due to data from the United Kingdom joint registry, which reportedly found that 13 percent of patients who opted for the DePuy ASR hip implant device had to undergo revision surgery.

These revision surgeries were allegedly due to device complications often associated with metal on metal hip implants, specifically the effects of metallosis. Also known as blood metal poisoning, metallosis occurs when the all metal ball and socket joint components interact and shed metal ions into the bloodstream. This can lead to a multitude of other problems, such as:

• Debilitating Pain
• Limited Movement
• Fretting
• Corrosion
• Infection
• Tissue Death
• Formation of Pseudotumors
• Cancer
• Cobalt Poisoning

These complications are often only treatable with revision surgery, which is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure due to a higher risk of infection and longer healing times.

Even though these metal hip implant complications can be devastating to patients, plaintiffs around the country say DePuy and Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to warn patients. Kenneth’s DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2197, where it will stand alongside these other claims alleging similar injuries from the all metal hip replacement system.

The DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20094-JJH, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division.