DePuy Orthopaedics is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging device complications from the DePuy ASR hip system. One of the most recent claims to join the MDL was recently filed by a couple from Florida, alleging the DePuy ASR hip system was defective in nature and they were unaware of this for years.

Plaintiff couple Richard B. and Janice B. allege the potential device complications of the DePuy ASR hip system were not mentioned on the product’s warning label or disclosed by the company, allegedly putting Richard at risk for complications like metallosis.

The DePuy ASR hip system was subject to a massive recall in August 2010 due to patients injury reports indicating complications like metallosis or other problems associated with metal on metal hip implants.

DePuy Orthopaedics recently set up a settlement fund for patients who had the DePuy ASR hip system implanted and had to undergo revision surgery due to metal hip implant complications since March 2015. Patients who have had to undergo revision surgery since March 2015, may be eligible to participate in the settlement.

This may be the case with Richard, who had the DePuy ASR hip system implanted on Feb. 7, 2007. Like millions of patients, Richard was recommended the DePuy ASR hip system to resolve his mobility issues brought on by deteriorating or damaged hip bones.

The DePuy ASR hip system was supposed to restore his quality of life, but Richard alleges he suffered device complications that compounded his medical condition.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip System Complications

According to the DePuy ASR hip system lawsuit, Richard had the device removed on May 16, 2018 and has since been contending with the aftermath. Richard states he would not have agreed to have the DePuy ASR hip system implanted if he had been aware of the device’s allegedly defective nature.

The DePuy ASR hip system is an all metal hip replacement implant, which means that all of its components are made of metals or alloys. When all metal hip replacement systems first entered the market they were thought to be overtly superior to plastic or ceramic hip implants, with manufacturers marketing them as more durable and longer lasting.

Most metal hip implant complications stem from the all metal ball and socket joint components of the prosthetic system, which may corrode and shed metal ions into the bloodstream when they interact. This causes the blood metal ion levels to rise to dangerous levels, inducing further complications including:

• Fretting
• Corrosion
• Debilitating Pain
• Infection
• Cancer
• Cardiomyopathy
• Loss of Bone Strength
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tissue Death

These metal hip implant complications are typically only resolved through revision surgery, which is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure because the risk of infection is higher.

At all times relevant, Richard and Janice say they relied on the marketing materials given to them by DePuy Orthopaedics and had no reason to the believe the DePuy ASR hip system was associated with serious device defects.

This DePuy ASR hip system lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2197, consisting of product liability claims alleging similar injuries. By joining an MDL, the DePuy ASR hip system lawsuit will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting results from different judges.

This DePuy ASR Hip System Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20050-JJH, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio, Western Division.