Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy ASR hip implant has generated thousands of lawsuits since its recall in August 2010. The metal-on-metal artificial hip was marketed as a stronger system that could help patients live active lifestyles upon their recovery from the hip replacement surgery.

Instead, thousands of patients have suffered from severe, debilitating injuries from failed implants. Even worse, Johnson & Johnson allegedly knew that about 40 percent of patients who received DePuy ASR hip replacement implants would need revision surgery within five years. That tidbit was shared by an attorney who uncovered the data in an internal Johnson & Johnson memo.

DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Problems

Much like its metal-on-metal predecessors, the DePuy ASR hip replacement system results in metal shavings being released into the body. These tiny particles can cause metal poisoning when high levels of cobalt or chromium invade the bloodstream. Metal poisoning, also known as metallosis, can affect the tissue surrounding the implant, causing the tissue to die. The only option to stop the metal poisoning is to have hip revision surgery.

Metal-on-metal hip systems result in complete dislocation of the hip. A reduction in bone strength can cause fracturing near the implant.

If pseudotumors develop around the hip implant, increased pressure and inflammation can lead to implant failure.

Metal poisoning from the DePuy ASR hip replacement system can adversely affect other parts of the body. Degenerative heart disease, cardiomyopathy, impaired renal function and thyroid dysfunction are possible side effects. The toxic metals also can cause cancer in various parts of the body.

These issues are the same complaints received regarding DePuy’s Pinnacle hip replacement system, yet the DePuy ASR hip replacement system was based upon the Pinnacle model.

According to the FDA, symptoms of metal-on-metal hip implant failure include pain while moving or walking; swelling in the hip or groin area; lumps near the hip; squeaking or popping noises while moving; dislocation, or a feeling the joint has slipped out of place.

Johnson & Johnson has already agreed to pay a combined $600,000 to settle three lawsuits filed by patients in 2012. All three complained of pain, bone damage, and other adverse effects that necessitated them all to undergo hip revision surgeries after the failure of their DePuy ASR hip replacement systems.

In litigation thus far, Johnson and Johnson has paid $4 billion to settle thousands of DePuy ASR hip replacement lawsuits.

If your DePuy ASR hip replacement system has failed and you have undergone revision surgery since March 2015, you could qualify for a portion of a new settlement. Payments under this settlement are estimated to reach as high as $500,000. Contact a qualified lawyer today to review your case and see if your situation could improve through proper legal action.