DePuy Orthopaedics and parent company Johnson & Johnson are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging problems with the DePuy ASR hip replacement.

One of the most recent claims was filed by a couple from Missouri, alleging the husband suffered major device complications from a DePuy ASR hip replacement.

Plaintiff couple Scott M. and Barbara M. allege the DePuy ASR hip replacement was defective in nature, but also that the manufacturers failed to disclose this fact to them or their orthopedic physician.

The DePuy ASR hip replacement consists of all metal hip implant components, including a ball and socket joint that acts as an artificial hip joint. Like millions of other orthopedic patients, Scott was looking for a reliable hip replacement system to replace his damaged or deteriorating hip joints.

Scott says he and his physician were assured that the DePuy ASR hip replacement was a safe and reliable product for this purpose, and had no reason to be wary of potential device complications. With these benefits in mind, Scott says, he had the DePuy ASR hip replacement implanted on May 22, 2007.

The hip replacement system was implanted into his right side, and he says he initially responded well to the device. According to the DePuy ASR lawsuit, the same hip replacement system was later implanted onto his left side on Sept. 11, 2007.

For years, Scott says he had these metal on metal hip replacements inside him, without awareness of potential device complications like metallosis or adverse tissue reaction.

Due to these serious device complications, Scott eventually had to undergo multiple revision surgeries to have the metal hip implants removed. According to the claim, the right DePuy ASR hip replacement was removed on Dec. 28, 2017 and the left one was removed later on May 25, 2018.

Scott and Barbara opted to file legal action against the company after discovering that a settlement for patients who had the DePuy ASR hip replacement implanted but later had to undergo revision surgery.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Complications

Certain models of DePuy ASR hip replacement were subjected to a massive recall in August 2010, with the company later forming a settlement fund for patients who had to undergo revision surgery since March 2015.

Most patients have had to undergo revision surgery due to complications related to metallosis, or blood metal poisoning. This condition is caused by the metal ions that are shed into the bloodstream from the all metal ball and socket components interacting. This can lead to a number of problems for the patient including:

• Debilitating Pain
• Limited Movement
• Infection around Implant Site
• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Formation of Pseudotumors
• Tissue Death

These complications are often only treatable through revision surgery–a procedure that is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure because of a greater risk of complications. Even though these complications can be devastating to patients, DePuy and Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to warn the public, plaintiffs claim.

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

This DePuy ASR Hip Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-dp-20057-JJH, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio, Western Division.