A man has filed a lawsuit against DePuy Orthopaedics after he allegedly had to have his ASR hip replacement removed last year.

Plaintiff Thomas F. says he underwent DePuy ASR hip replacement surgery in March 2009. In September 2017, he underwent explantation of the device due to allegedly experiencing “popping sounds, pain, grinding sensation and elevated metal ions.”

He claims he missed work because of the pain and discomfort caused by the defective implant components.

DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Recall

Johnson & Johnson recalled the DePuy ASR hip replacement system in August 2010 after the devices reportedly were failing at rates much higher than expected. The metal-on-metal hip system was marketed as a superior, stronger version that would allow patients to live active lifestyles.

Much to their disappointment, thousands of patients have reported debilitating, painful injuries as a result of failed implants. While most hip implant systems last an average of 15 years, Johnson & Johnson allegedly admitted in an internal memo that 40 percent of patients receiving the ASR hip replacement would need a revision surgery within five years.

Problems occur because the metal-on-metal system may allow metal shavings to shred from the components. The small particles cause metal poisoning, also known as metallosis, when cobalt and chromium poison the blood. High levels of cobalt and chromium also can cause tissue to deteriorate as the metal shavings settle into the nearby areas.

In addition, the body reportedly reacts to these metal shavings and tries to expel them through inflammation, fluid retention and swelling. Over time, hard knots of fluid known as pseudotumors can cause increased pressure and inflammation on the hip implant components and on the surrounding tissue and bone.

Toxins from the metals can cause degenerative heart disease, cardiomyopathy, impaired kidney function and thyroid interference. Cancer also is a potential side effect of metal poisoning.

The FDA indicates that symptoms of ASR hip replacement failure include pain while walking, swelling in the hip area, lumps near the hip, squeaking or popping noises during movement, dislocation, or a feeling the hip joint has slipped out of place.

Johnson & Johnson already agreed to a $600,000 settlement of three lawsuits filed by patients in 2012. All three complained of pain, bone damage, and other serious issues that caused them all to undergo revision surgeries after the failure of their ASR hip replacement systems.

If your ASR hip implant system has failed and you have endured a revision surgery since March 2015, you might qualify for a new ASR settlement. A qualified lawyer can review your case to see if you are eligible for an ASR hip replacement lawsuit.

The ASR Hip Replacement Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20065 and is part of the DePuy ASR MDL, In re: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. ASR Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2197, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division.