The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom is investigating the safety of all-metal hip replacement devices like DePuy ASR.
Reportedly, metal-on-metal devices have caused serious complications within a few years after surgery, including tissue degeneration, infection, joint stiffening and pain, and metallosis.
In 2010, the MHRA released statements informing physicians of appropriate follow up for patients with all-metal hip devices like the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle. A spokesman for the MHRA said, “We are continuing to closely monitor all evidence. This needs more analysis before any conclusions can be drawn and further advice given. We have already taken prompt action to investigate safety concerns and have provided advice on patient management to relevant healthcare professionals.”
The agency currently urges surgeons and physicians to tell their patients about the DePuy ASR recall, and monitor patients with the devices already implants with annual check-ups. If the patient experiences any pain, the surgeon should immediately examine the level of metals in the patient’s blood, and consider replacing the device with a plastic or ceramic hip.
DePuy ASR devices were recalled voluntarily by Johnson & Johnson in 2010, due to complications. However, many patients with the artificial hips have experienced severe side effects and there are several pending lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy devices. The DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits have been consolidated under MDL 2244, while the DePuy ASR device lawsuits are under MDL 2197.
If you or a loved one have had hip replacement surgery with a DePuy metal-on-metal hip replacement device, and are now suffering serious complications including pain, infection, and worsening joint problems, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced lawyers at Strom Law, LLC, can help. We are now accepting cases nationwide, and we specialize in defective device law. Please contact us today. 803.252.4800.
