DePuy Orthopaedics is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging serious DePuy ASR hip complications. One of the most recent claims comes from a Georgia woman, alleging she developed DePuy ASR hip complications after having the metal on metal hip implant inserted.

Plaintiff Charlene R. opted to file legal action against the manufacturer for allegedly failed to warn her against potential DePuy ASR hip complications. According to the DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit, Charlene had the metal on metal hip prosthetic implanted on her right hip on March 12, 2007.

Charlene says she agreed to have the DePuy ASR hip implant implanted after her physician reviewed marketing materials from the company.

She says these materials assured her the DePuy ASR hip implant would be ideal for patients looking to restore hip function, with minimal risk of serious complications. Charlene initially responded well to the DePuy ASR hip implant, which spurred the decision to have the same implant placed into her left hip on March 10, 2008.

However, not long after this point, Charlene reportedly began suffering DePuy ASR hip complications. The DePuy ASR hip complications Charlene reported included debilitating pain, metallosis, limited activity, tissue reaction, and medical expenses.

These DePuy ASR hip complications eventually forced Charlene to undergo revision surgery for her right hip on July 24, 2017, with the surgeon confirming an adverse local tissue response, blackened tissue, and metallosis.

At this point, Charlene has not yet undergone revision surgery for her left hip but plans to in the future. Charlene recently discovered the allegedly defective nature of the metal on metal hip implant before planning for the revision surgery to resolve the DePuy ASR hip complications.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip Complications

Metal on metal hip implants were thought to be overtly superior to plastic or ceramic models, with manufacturers touting them to be more durable and longer lasting.

Manufacturers also stated metal on metal hip implants may be more suitable for younger and more active patients, with most models being customizable to patients. However, the design of metal on metal hip implants has been allegedly causing problems with numerous patients, as many are experiencing device failure and metallosis.

When the ball and socket components of the metal hip implant interact, metal ions may be shed into the bloodstream and can compound the patient’s medical condition. The DePuy ASR hip complications patients reported also stem from this design defect, with injury reports indicating:

• Formation of Pseudotumors
• Tissue Death
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Debilitating Pain
• Device Failure

Even though these reported DePuy ASR hip complications can be devastating to patients, the manufacturer allegedly failed to warn against them. Charlene states she would not have opted for the metal on metal hip implant if she had known the severity of potential DePuy ASR hip complications.

This DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2197, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. By joining an MDL, Charlene’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20019-JJH, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio, Western Division.