A failed hip device leaves patients more than immobile. It causes pain, suffering and a life-time of complicated revision surgeries. As a Virginia hip recall lawyer dealing with patients who received a recalled hip implant I can only imagine the pain and suffering they’ve encountered from a faulty device.

The most recent reports of failed hip implants came in July when DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, recalled two hip implant products. The device, which was supposed to last 15-25 years, was failing 12-13% of the time in the first five years. Orthopedic specialists who have examined the ASR cup believe the fault lies in its shallow design, which not only makes it more difficult to position at the correct angle, but encourages the greater wear and abrasion.

The painful wear and abrasion was a result of the metal-on-metal implant wearing out, leaving the artificial joint detached from the bone, becoming misaligned. As the device’s metal wears down, it also could be leaking metal debris (cobalt and chromium ions) into the patients’ bloodstream.

Because of DePuy’s faulty design, many patients are left with no choice but to face a second, more complicated surgery with higher failure rates and longer recovery periods.  If you or a loved one has experienced negative results or pain from a DePuy hip prosthesis, contact a Maryland hip recall lawyer.