If you have undergone ASR stem revision surgery since March 2015 because your DePuy ASR hip system failed, you could qualify for a portion of a new settlement.

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip implant has been the subject of thousands of hip implant lawsuits since the FDA announced a voluntary recall in August 2010. Nearly 37,000 of the defective implants were done on patients within the U.S.

The UK recently reported that 13 percent of the ASR hips implanted required revision surgeries.

ASR Stem Revision Surgeries Needed for Various Reasons

Like other metal-on-metal hip implants, the ASR can cause tiny metal shavings to be shed into the body, resulting in high cobalt or chromium levels in the blood. Metal poisoning, also known as metallosis, can lead to tissue death for the tissue surrounding the implant.

In many cases of metallosis, the patient must undergo hip revision surgery to remove the offending metal parts.

The DePuy ASR hip system was preceded by the company’s Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip system, which had similar devastating side effects. Among the problems associated with the ASR system are:

• Degenerative heart disease or cardiomyopathy
• Impaired renal function
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Pseudotumors around the hip implant, causing pressure and inflammation
• Cancer due to toxic metals entering the system
• Dislocated hip
• Reduction in bone strength or structure, causing easy fracturing
• Complete failure of the hip implant requiring replacement soon after initial surgery

According to the FDA, ASR stem revision surgery might be necessary if the patient experiences pain while moving or walking; swelling in the hip or groin area; lumps in and around the hip area; or dislocation. Patients need to be aware if they have a feeling that the hip has slipped out of place and listen for popping or squeaking sounds that can indicate wear.

Nearly 8,000 DePuy lawsuits have been filed regarding the ASR XL Acetabular System and the Pinnacle Acetabular Cup system.

In the course of one claim, attorneys provided an internal Johnson & Johnson memo indicating that 40 percent of those who underwent ASR hip implant surgery would need revision surgery within only five years.

Johnson & Johnson management allegedly knew the ASR hip implant’s design was defective if for no other reason than the design was based on the failed Pinnacle hip system.

In initial settlements regarding the ASR, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay a combined $600,000 to settle three hip implant lawsuits in 2012. Those three patients had ASR stem revision surgeries after their hip systems failed. They all had experienced pain, bone damage and other adverse complications.

At this time, Johnson & Johnson has paid $4 billion to settle thousands of ASR hip replacement lawsuits.

The DePuy ASR hip replacement settlement that was just announced requires legal expertise to maneuver, but qualifying patients could receive up to $500,000 each for their DePuy ASR troubles.

Time is running out to file your claim. Obtain your portion of the latest if you have received ASR stem revision surgery since March 2015. A specialized lawyer can guide you with your ASR hip implant lawsuit.