Many patients have had to undergo hip revision surgery soon after having a DePuy ASR metal hip replacement implanted, leading to widespread concern and a market recall.

Even though the DePuy ASR hip replacement hip implant recall occurred back in August 2010, these medical devices have remained primary concerns for the medical community due to the numerous reports of hip revision surgery and metal hip implant lawsuits filed.

The 2010 market recall of the DePuy ASR hip replacement implants was initiated after reviewing data from the United Kingdom. According to the UK joint registry, 13% of DePuy ASR hip replacement patients had to undergo revision surgery due to painful injuries and debilitating complications.

The mandatory recall affected 93,000 ASR hip implants around the world, after the FDA had reviewed National Joint Registry of England and Wales with most of the patients needing hip revision surgery.

The ASR hip implants affected by the recall includes the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Systems and DePuy Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System. Among the metal hip implant complications associated with the DePuy ASR hip replacement implant included:

• Debilitating Pain
• Metallosis (blood metal poisoning)
• Cardiovascular Complications
• Neurological Complications
• Thyroid Complications
• Kidney Complications
• Fretting
• Device Failure
• Corrosion
• Formation of Pseudotumors

Many of the metal hip implant complications occur due to the metal components, specifically the ball and socket joint, interact and shed metal ions into the blood. Patients who experience these metal hip implant complications have needed hip revision surgery to correct the problems and explant the device.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip Implant Complications

The DePuy ASR Hip replacement implant is an all metal hip implant, which means that there are no components made of plastic or ceramic. Metal hip implants have become increasingly popular over the years, marketed to be more durable and longer lasting than ceramic and plastic models.

In addition, many metal hip implants were advertised to be customizable for each specific patient. Metal hip implants are most popular among younger patients, who tend to lead more active lifestyles.

The DePuy ASR Hip replacement and metal hip implants were cleared for sale under the FDA’s 510(k) process. This means these devices did not have to undergo full premarket research because the devices were very similar to an already released product.

Many of these patients have filed legal action. Now, after several rounds of mass settlements with the ASR’s manufacturer, patients who had to undergo hip revision surgery after receiving an ASR DePuy hip replacement may be eligible for compensation.