Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Raleigh DePuy ASR Hip Recall Lawyers / Durham Medical Device Attorney.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Systems Raise Additional Safety Concerns

While any hip replacement system has risks, metal-on-metal (“MoM”) systems, like the DePuy ASR and the DePuy Pinnacle, carry additional risks. The metal ball may contact the metal cup; particles may wear off and enter the surrounding tissue and bloodstream. The FDA noted that although doctors are careful to position the implant as precisely as possible, there is “no way to fully avoid the production of metal particles” in a MoM hip system. Release of metal particles affects individuals differently; some react more severely. The metal can cause tissue death in the surrounding area, which may, among other things, trigger pain, swelling and loosening of the implant; that could require revision surgery. It is also believed high levels of these metal ions in the bloodstream can lead to other health problems related to the heart, nervous system, thyroid and kidneys. Some symptoms that may indicate a problem include chest pain, groin pain, shortness of breath, weight gain, fatigue, weakness or numbness, change in urination habits.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Problems

Complications may include: Unexplained Hip Pain; Loosening of the Hip; Hip Failure; Additional Hip Replacement or Revision Surgery; Metal Toxicity

DePuy ASR Recall

In August 2010, a DePuy ASR hip recall was issued for approximately 93,000 defective implants; with a high rate of failure, many require additional surgeries. DePuy Orthopaedics is recalling its ASR™ Acetabular Cup System and DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System. The DePuy ASR™ Acetabular Cup System, marketed since around 2005 and used in the United States and worldwide, has a metal-on-metal component. The ASR™ hip resurfacing system, a popular alternative but with a similar component, has not been approved in the United State but has been used abroad.

What You Should Do

Financial compensation may be available. If you are the recipient, or you know a recipient of the DePuy ASR, DePuy Pinnacle or any other metal-on-metal hip system, you or such persons should

speak with an attorney

to understand legal rights involved. DePuy Orthopaedics is representing they may pay for certain costs, but there are additional damages for which they will not pay, and you may be compromising your case by speaking with them directly. DO NOT sign anything without an attorney, as that may impair your ability to further recovery. DePuy’s offer to pay costs will not cover your pain and suffering and other damages, and may not even cover all costs associated with necessary medical treatment for the defective hip. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at any time 24 hours a day for a free consultation. Our attorneys are pursuing cases, and continuing to review new cases of those injured and are ready and able to assist. We may be contacted directly at 1-800-434-8399, or contact us through our website at www.lawyernc.com.