For some people who have undergone a hip replacement procedure, a revision surgery might be needed since the hip implant could wear and deteriorate over time. In the case of DePuy Orthopaedics ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, these devices were found to have a design flaw that made it fail just within five years of implantation. According to a British joint replacement registry data, one in eight recipients need to undergo a risky and costly hip revision procedure. Following the hip replacement recall, hundreds filed lawsuits against DePuy.
Some of the signs that tell you when you've received a flawed hip replacement device are: intense pain, swelling in the hip area, limited or loss of mobility. There were some who needed the revision surgery because the implant became loose and detached from the bone which could lead to an infection. Others required the second surgery because of the risk of cobalt and chromium poisoning – which could lead to nerve and neurological damage.
Recovery from a revision surgery for DePuy victims is tedious and rehabilitation takes longer. Bone loss and tissue damage (as a result of toxic metal debris depositing in surrounding bone, tissue and sinew) can affect the chances of successfully performing another hip replacement procedure.
It would seem unfair to let patients go through another round of surgery because of a single company's apparent disregard for public safety. The hip replacements' failure rate is just an indication DePuy have not properly tested the products. Speaking with an experienced lawyer would increase your chances of recovering compensation from the orthopedic device manufacturer. Visit the DePuy hip replacement website now.
