DePuy Hip Replacement Recall
Almost 93,000 individuals have had hip replacement surgery using a metal on metal prosthesis from DePuy Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, that may need revision surgery. Two of DePuy’s orthopedic products, the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XLO Acetabular System, were recalled in August 2010. Data from the National Joint Registry revealed one in every eight people with these systems required a follow-up revision surgery.
Some symptoms that may require revision surgery include:
- Metalosis – a condition caused by metal deposits in the surrounding tissue
- Loosening of the implant, not staying in position against the bone
- Fracture of the bone surrounding the implant
- Dislocation of the implant
- Pseudotumors
DePuy implants consist of ball and socket components made of metal that rub against one another as the joint functions. These metal implants often wear down over time, leaving traces of metal in the bloodstream, bone and muscle tissue. Thousands of people have reacted to these metal particles which can cause permanent muscle, bone and nerve damage. They may have problems walking, as well.
If you’ve felt any of these symptoms, you MUST contact the surgeon who performed your surgery in order to determine whether or not a follow-up surgery is needed. Even if you haven’t felt any of the above symptoms or experienced any pain, you should still follow up with your doctor for the first five years after surgery to ensure your replacement continues functioning properly.
