Hip Replacement Recall DePuy

In the middle of 2010 DePuy issued a voluntary recall of its ASR hip replacement products. After finding above normal amounts of metallic particles were being released into the blood stream. The substances come from the metal-on-metal systems design. Because this product is showing signs of breaking down much sooner than anticipated this influx of these particles into the blood stream could cause serious side effects for some patients.

The two systems that have been recalled are the, ASR XL Acetabular Hip System and the, ASR Hip Resurfacing System. These products have been available since 2003.To call DePuy's support hotline directly the number is, 888-627-2677. They are available from 8am-9pm Mon-Sat EST.

In March of 2011 new research showed that an increased risk of failure was to be expected. While the company maintained that approximately 13% of patients who underwent the surgery would experience early equipment failure, it is now believed that over 40% of patients will face this reality in as little as 6 years, after their procedure. Average lifetime expectancy of a hip replacement system is 15 years

The first complaint from physicians is that the design of the ASR system isn't an optimal one and that when implanted the system sits shallow in the recipients socket. This can have a major effect, causing discomfort to the patient and could also contribute to the implant loosening inside the socket.

Pain and soreness is another physical sign of the products inadequacy. This occurs in the groin, lower back and hip. Patients may experience problems with standing or great limitations with regards to mobility. There can been distinct noises associated with the product, some patients report an audible "clicking" that occurs while walking.

Another great concern are the potential side effects caused by the metal fragments emitted into the body from the systems breakdown.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort after your hip replacement surgery and your procedure was from 2005-2010 contact your physician, you may have been fitted with a DePuy ASR product. If this is the case there are options on how to move forward to correct the matter.

DePuy offers a revision procedure for those patients that have been fitted with the products. Before accepting this it would be a good idea to speak with, first your doctor and next a legal professional to discuss your rights. For DePuy hip implant recall national support. Phone support is available at 800 407 8416

DePuy's president, David Floyd has announced his resignation for later this year (2011). The company will be working hard on restructuring and regaining the trust of a consumer community that has been bitterly affected by DePuy's poor performance and lack of testing.

Health care specialists and researchers are paying very close attention to DePuy's other line of hip replacement products, Pinnacle.

I'll be reporting the findings of that research when it become available.