Numerous patients who had the DePuy ASR metal on metal hip replacement systems implanted have been complaining of hip replacement metal toxicity, allegedly due to the defective nature of its design.

Many of these patients have been forced to undergo hip revision surgery to resolve the complications allegedly left by DePuy ASR hip replacement metal toxicity, and have chosen to file legal action against the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary.

One of the most recent claims alleging DePuy ASR hip replacement metal toxicity was filed by a woman from Kentucky, who alleges DePuy had failed to warn her against serious device complications.

Like numerous other orthopedic patients, plaintiff Joyce D. had agreed to have the DePuy ASR hip replacement system implanted after reviewing the marketing materials from the company.

The DePuy ASR hip replacement system took six years to develop for DePuy Orthopaedics, which designed the prosthetic to be easy for patient recovery. DePuy repeatedly stated that the all metal hip implant was designed with the intent of fast recovery after surgery, which will help patients get back to their normal routine.

In addition, the DePuy ASR hip replacement system and other metal-on-metal hip implants were marketed to be more durable and longer lasting than ceramic or plastic prosthetics.

With these benefits in mind, Joyce says she underwent hip replacement surgery in her left side on Aug. 19, 2009 and had the DePuy ASR hip replacement system implanted. While she initially responded well to the metal-on-metal hip implant, Joyce says she eventually began to develop painful side effects related to hip replacement metal toxicity.

According to the DePuy ASR hip lawsuit, Joyce developed osteolysis and experienced severe pain and discomfort in basic activities. She was diagnosed with metallosis on Oct. 19, 2017, when her physician ordered blood tests for chromium and cobalt poisoning. Joyce eventually underwent revision surgery on March 28, 2018.

Joyce opted to file legal action after discovering other patients had suffered side effects from DePuy ASR hip replacement toxicity.

Overview of DePuy ASR Hip Complications

Even though the DePuy ASR hip replacement system was supposed to be fast and convenient for patients, it has been linked to thousands of injury reports and spurred a massive recall in August 2010.

DePuy had also formed a settlement fund for patients who had the all metal DePuy ASR hip replacement system implanted, and had to undergo revision surgery since March 2015.

The complications related to hip replacement metal toxicity stem from the device’s all metal ball-and-socket joint components which shed metal ions into the bloodstream when they interact. This causes cobalt and chromium levels in the blood to rise, and can create a number of device complications including:

• Severe pain
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Formation of pseudotumors
• Corrosion
• Fretting

The effects of hip replacement metal toxicity often force patients to undergo revision surgery which is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure due to a higher risk of infection.

Even though the device complications from hip replacement metal toxicity can be devastating to patients, DePuy Orthopaedics allegedly failed to warn the public.

This DePuy ASR Hip Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00713-DJH, in the Jefferson Circuit County Court.