The DePuy ASR hip replacement system is a popular choice for patients needing hip surgery. However, many have been forced to undergo DePuy ASR hip revision surgery because of complications with their original device.

In 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics recalled two different hip replacement systems, the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System. These hip replacement systems were recalled because of the high failure rate reported among patients.

The DePuy Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) system recall affected 30,000 people in the United States alone.

One of the major reasons why this recall was set into motion was the fact that a higher-than-normal number of patients required a DePuy ASR hip revision surgery. Up to 13 percent of patients needed a DePuy ASR hip revision surgery in less than 5 years.

In a statement in 2010, DePuy stated that it would cover “reasonable and customary costs of monitoring and treatment for services, including revision surgeries, associated with the recall of the ASR.”

Reportedly, women and those with weakened bones were at a higher risk of the need for revision surgery.

A DePuy ASR hip revision surgery is a surgery conducted after the components of an original hip replacement device have either failed or worn out. When this occurs, the components must be removed and replaced.

Science Daily reports that implants usually last for 10 to 15 years and sometimes up to 20. But there are times when a DePuy ASR hip revision surgery is needed sooner than that.

Possible reasons for a hip revision surgery include loosening of the implant, a fracture of the bone near the implant, frequent dislocation, infection or implant recall.

Patients should be aware of warning signs that might indicate the need for a revision surgery. These include sudden pain, trouble moving around or a decreased range of motion for the joint. If something like this happens, patients should contact their doctor.

Additionally, a hip revision surgery is often more dangerous than the original hip replacement surgery. More skill is required to complete a DePuy ASR hip revision surgery or other revision surgeries and physicians who perform initial joint replacement surgeries will often refer patients to a specialist to perform revision surgeries.

If infection is present, the need for an expert in DePuy ASR hip revision surgery is even more vital.

There are some ways to help prolong the life of an artificial joint and avoid the need for a DePuy ASR hip revision surgery.

These include avoiding overusing the joint, avoiding sports in which jumping and landing could damage the joint, maintaining a healthy weight, and visiting your surgeon every couple years to check for loosening.