Johnson & Johnson Phasing Out Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

In a metal-on-metal hip implant, both the ball and socket of the artificial hip are constructed from metal. At one point, as many as one-third of the hip replacement surgeries performed in the U.S. used on metal-on-metal hip implants. However, many patients who received the metal hip implants experienced a high failure rate and other health complications from the metal parts rubbing against each other. In many cases, the friction caused metal particles to be released into the patient’s body. Some of the common health complaints involved:

• Dislocated hip
• Loss of bone strength
• Cancer
• Tissue death surrounding the implant
• Tumors near the implant
• Heart disease
• Metal poisoning

DePuy Recalled One Type of Metal Hip Implants in 2010

In 2010, DePuy recalled a model known as the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) because of a high failure rate. While hip implants that have both metal and plastic components can be expected to last up to 15 years, the ASR often failed after just a few years. Although DePuy recalled the ASR, the company continued to sell another metal-on-metal implant called the Pinnacle. The company insisted that the Pinnacle was as safe and effective of other hip implants on the market. DePuy claims that the product is being phased out due to decreased demand rather than safety concerns.

Because metal hip implants significantly resembled other devices that were already on the market, the device manufacturers were not required to perform extensive safety tests before putting them on the market. After receiving numerous complaints about the metal hip implant failure rate, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a safety review of the products. The agency is also requiring any products that were approved without pre-market testing to undergo clinical testing if the manufacturer intends to keep the devices on the market.

Thousands of Plaintiffs Have Sued Johnson & Johnson for Metal Hip Implant Injuries

Johnson & Johnson has been the target of thousands of lawsuits related to metal hip implant failure. The company is currently involved in more than 10,000 cases involving the ASR. In the first of these cases to reach trial, a Los Angeles jury found that the ASR had been defectively designed. More than 3,000 lawsuits related to the Pinnacle device have also been filed.

If you or someone you love received a metal-on-metal hip implant, visit the DePuy, Stryker, Biomet, Wright Medical Technology & Others, Metal on Metal Hip Implant Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page to learn about your legal rights. Thousands of people have suffered significant side effects from these implants. Patients experienced a high failure rate and required hip replacement surgery within a few years of receiving the metal hip implant. The device failure left them with significant health problems and expensive medical bills. If you are eligible to join a metal hip implant class action lawsuit, you could receive significant compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.