DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. is recently facing various lawsuits filed by law firms in UK, US and Australia, in behalf of patients who underwent hip replacement operations. DePuy is a subsidiary company of Johnson and Johnson, which issued a worldwide recall of their products.

There are around 93,000 recipients of the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System worldwide. After the release of data presenting defectiveness in one out of eight patients to whom they were implanted, the two devices were pulled back.  Factory production and sale of the two prosthetic items started in 2003.

DePuy took the implants out from the Australian market  in December 2009. In August 2010, DePuy carried out a worldwide recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken notice of negative feedback from DePuy clients between 2008 and the time of its recall announcement. Many of these clients need a second hip replacement surgery.

The Director of the National Joint Replacement Registry in Australia, Dr. Stephen Graves, says “It is a complete untruth that DePuy did not have reason to withdraw the ASR before now; we have been telling them since 2007, but they allowed it to be used on thousands of people.”

Legal professionals say that several clients have initiated court actions against Johnson and Johnson.  They were the suffering victims of DePuy product failures and defects, among them displacements, fractures and loosening.

The signs of artificial hip device defect include:

• Swelling
• Pain bearing weight
• Pain when rising from a seated position
• Pain while walking
• Pain on the thigh or groin area
• Pain on the hip area

Extreme cases happen wherein the hip products completely fail, resulting in more critical heath issues. This happens when:

• the device is not attached to the bone correctly;
• the unit is dislocated and misaligned;
• the bone around the implant is fractured.

Moreover, defective hip devices may deposit tiny pieces of toxic metal into the patient’s bloodstream. The body tissues may possibly develop pseudotumors.

According to legal observers, the DePuy hip replacement recall should serve as a lesson to other device manufacturers to strengthen and certify the safety of their products.

References:
bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-03/johnson-johnson-sued-over-recalled-implanted-hip-replacement-devices.html
arthritistoday.org/news/asr-depuy-hip-replacement-recall078.php
nursinghomesabuseblog.com/defective-products/defects-with-depuy-hip-replacement-hardware-may-be-responsible-for-complications-following-hip-surgury/

Arthritis, sports performance and preventive medicine are the areas of expertise of Dr. Pack. He performs his clinical obligation at the Medical College of Georgia in Greensboro.  He has served Olympic gold medal-aspiring athletes and patients experiencing pain caused by arthritis.  Dr. Pack gives his patients the attention and guaranteed results they long wanted.   Patients will not meet gate keepers and experience delayed visits when visiting his clinic. Like most patients, time is also valuable to Dr. Pack.
In the 2004 Olympics, he had a silver and gold medalist as patients and he had also helped the UGA Golf Team.  As uncanny as this may sound, it can be done because he uses the very same principles in both cases.
The book he recently published, The Arthritis Revolution, was based on more than four decades of clinical experience in treating a great number of patients with arthritis and half a decade of research.  His book dispels the long myth that osteoarthritis is due to age and weight. His book presents his arguments in simple terms, supported by researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Pack argues that if age is the primary cause of osteoarthritis, why do many people have just one knee or hip involved?   Some 90-year-olds do not acquire arthritis while some suffer from it at such a young age, he added. The same analogy goes with weight.   Some considerably overweight individuals do not have hip problems, likewise, weight is not placed in a single knee or hip. There must be factors other than age and weight that triggered osteoarthritis.

Abnormal alignment is the root cause of osteoarthritis, says Dr. Pack. His book further states that until abnormal alignment is accepted, prevention of the disease is not likely to happen.  Hip surgery or a hip replacement is done on patients with severe osteoarthritis case.   Hip replacement was the subject of various health concerns after device-related complications were reported.  DePuy Orthopedics, manufacturer of the ASR hip system, has ordered an ASR hip replacement recall in answer to these health concerns.

Reference:

http://www.facebook.com/drloupack?sk=info

http://www.drloupack.com/#/about/about-dr-pack

http://lakeoconeebreeze.net/local/x177909473/Local-doctor-on-a-mission-to-help-arthritis-sufferers

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/28/health/alignment-hip-replacements-pack/index.html

Growing old makes us vulnerable since our bodies are not as strong, as fast and as flexible as it was in the younger days. Our muscles, bones, reflexes and overall bodily functions are slower, weaker and more susceptible to injury. Due to this, we need to challenge our body more and find any means to prevent further injury. In considering total hip replacement surgery, you must gather enough information related to this.

Total hip replacement operation is an invasive, corrective and permanent type of hip management wherein a prosthetic hip replacement device, either used with cement or without as in the case of the cementless type of hip prostheses, is used as a substitute to the disabled hip bone. Once you have this type of permanent hip pain management, there is no turning back that is why you should consider this very well before deciding to go with this operation. You may talk to your doctor and ask what are the things you, as a patient who may be subjected to this form of invasive surgery, can expect pre-op, intra-op and post-op. There were reports regarding some faulty cementless form of artificial hip replacement devices that is why before you decide to try this operation, gain enough information about the proposed procedure and the hip device to be used.

Plaintiffs who filed their DePuy hip replacement lawsuits have been waiting for the announcement of a Multiple Case Management Conference (CMC), a pre-trial proceeding wherein the involved parties of the case are gathered to meet and represent their issues pertaining to the case at hand. Those who were injured by the defective hip devices may not be satisfied with a DePuy hip recall. If you are considering to file a DePuy hip replacement lawsuit, you can try to contact an adept DePuy ASR lawyer to help you get through the process of fighting for your rights and gaining just settlement for the injuries endured. You may search for more information regarding this type of lawsuit.

More attention was given by the recipients of either of DePuy’s ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System and as a result, more and more lawsuits are being filed each day. Because using the defective ASRs affected them in some way, recipients often wonder if they would be compensated for them. Most people have the notion that a lawsuit would take longer for them to get reimbursed for losses, that’s why they opt to accept a settlement offer instead. However, many believe that it is more advantageous for victims to file a DePuy lawsuit than to settle.

The DePuy website claimed the manufacturer was willing to reimburse victims with “reasonable and customary” cost of medical testing and treatment. But this might not include additional doctor’s appointments, any past, present and future medical therapies, lost wages, pain and suffering. A wise next step, therefore, would be to acquire the help of a competent product liability lawyer to help you in recovering just compensation from DePuy.

You could, in huge possibility, gain more by enlisting the help of a sound legal counsel. Before signing a settlement offer from the company, you might want to let your lawyer review it and give you advice. He or she would be more than willing to help you file a lawsuit against DePuy. If you want to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation, you may go through a free consultation with a lawyer. The DePuy Hip Replacement Recall information website has all the updates you need.

One American in thirty has undergone a joint replacement procedure, twice as many from the previous decade. A company anticipated that a 7.8% growth will be seen by 2016 amassing a $41.8 billion revenue. Orthopedic implants will comprise $22.9 billion of that. It has the makings of a great investment with profit margins which could reach 35%. This trend could make companies greedy and disasters such as the DePuy hip replacement recall can occur.

Why is it that artificial joints are getting more popular? The answer is simple: people in advanced industrialized countries are aging, and new technology enables improved lifestyles for people who would have otherwise been either crippled for life or at least unable to do participate in strenuous activities such as sports and marathons. One other obvious reason is American’s increasing obesity. Excess weight overburdens joints, necessitating surgical repair.

People may argue that having this kind of technology would improve one’s life. That may be so but if this would create a problem instead of treat it, it becomes an issue. This is the lesson of the DePuy hip replacement recall. DePuy Orthopaedics, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, designed two metal-on-metal hip replacements, the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, that both fail in recipients up to 49% of the time after only six years. It could cause extreme damage and a painful and invasive revision surgery is needed by patients as well as appropriate treatment for metal toxicity.

DePuy’s hip replacements failed not only for want of better design, but also because DePuy sent them through the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s “510(k) process,” that only requires the manufacturer show that their products are substantially equivalent to those already on the market instead of clinical trials. DePuy somehow managed to convince regulators that metal-on-metal hip replacements, a novel design, somehow were substantially equivalent to other implants.

With more artificial joints on the market, we can expect manufacturers to realize their 35% profit margin by abusing the 510(k) process. If these regulations won’t improve, possibly more orthopedic disasters could arise. Meanwhile, those who have already been injured require competent representation in a hip replacement lawsuit to compensate them for the harm they suffered. More updates are available regarding the ongoing DePuy lawsuits when you visit the hip replacement recall information site today.

Contrary to what most believe, getting pertinent information is not easy. It is fortunate that your doctor is required to furnish you with medical records should you request them. More often than not, this is not a formal process and you may even pick it up personally from your doctor’s office. However, there are times when getting this information requires more than a phone call to your physician. If this happens, here are the things you need to do.

With limited exceptions in the United States, information regarding hip replacement surgeries may be acquired without much problems.

If this doesn’t work, writing a formal letter requesting for your records and indicating the date and location of your hip replacement operation, and your medical identification number is another option. If you have filed or have plans of filing a DePuy lawsuit, you may also request for copies of these records.

A 30-day period may be required for you to wait for the information you need. Since the statutes if limitations may soon expire, it’s important you get the information right away.

If, for some reason, you are still denied access to your medical records, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Civil Rights and with your state government’s health department.

Getting your medical records for your DePuy hip replacement is one of the first steps in filing a lawsuit against the company. It should not be difficult but it is better to be prepared for what might happen. For updates on the ongoing DePuy hip replacement lawsuits, check out its information center.

Contained within the guide intended for surgeons is additional information that questions Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to helping patients who will require costly regular monitoring and testing as well as painful and risky corrective surgery. Inside the packet is a consent form that surgeons are encouraged to give to their patients receiving recalled hip replacements. Once signed, the patient is in concordance with the following stipulations:

• DePuy will have access to all medical records and x-rays from an initial or corrective hip replacement surgery, including everything from doctor’s orders to records related to follow-up visits
• Any defective device removed from a necessary corrective surgery may be returned to DePuy
• Information gathered by DePuy may be used for analytical purposes

In the guide created for surgeons, it is disturbing to know that they are being offered payments of up to $50 for each patient release that is completed and submitted to DePuy. This raises two key concerns. First, Johnson & Johnson obviously has less than honorable plans for this valuable patient information. The company could use this information to prevent being held liable during a hip replacement lawsuit if they can find that the patient was at fault for not following doctor’s orders to the letter. Secondly, the paying off of doctors for patient release forms should be in clear violation of doctor-patient confidentiality. This not only damages the relationship between the patient and his or her physician, but can also jeopardize the future healthcare of the patient.

These practices are unacceptable and clearly demonstrate that DePuy has no intention of protecting the welfare of the victims receiving defective hip replacements. These victims need to contact a hip replacement lawyer in order to protect their rights and get the punitive damages they deserve. Visit the DePuy hip replacement recall website for more information about ongoing litigation.

· Metal-on-plastic

With this type of system, the femoral head is constructed of metal with the liner composed of standard polyethylene plastic. Because this plastic is susceptible to wear, this type is not recommended for young, active patients as it will often lead to revision procedures within seven to ten years. This type of system may be a better option for elderly patients or those who are less physically active.

· Metal-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene

This type of configuration is fundamentally the same concept as metal-on-plastic; however, crosslinking of the polyethylene adds stability and durability to the implant. Because of this, the metal-on-crosslinked polyethylene has largely replaced the less durable metal-on-plastic making it an ideal choice for young, active patients

· Metal-on-metal

This class of implant is currently the focus of the DePuy hip replacement recall; however, different brands other than DePuy do not have the same high failure rates. Metal-on-metal implants are ideal for patients looking for stability and longevity. Those who are sensitive or who have allergies to metal should avoid this type of hip replacement altogether.

· Metal-on-ceramic

With regards to wear and tear, metal-on-ceramic outperforms both metal and plastic. This type of implant is less likely to cause an inflammatory response; however, it is more susceptible to risk of breakage and fractures.

Except for Depuy, the safety varies with most other types of hip replacements. Patients undergoing hip replacement surgery should consult with their surgeons to chose which type of hip replacement is best suited to their level of activity, age, health, current condition of bones, and other factors. Those who would like to know more about defects in DePuy’s metal-on-metal hip implants should visit the DePuy hip implant recall website.

Prior to their sale in 2003, the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, both manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, were given a 510(k) approval by the United States Food and Drugs Administration. These two hip implants were the subject of the DePuy hip replacement recall which occurred in August 2010. Presently, the same type of approval was given to three new DePuy orthopedic units: the RECLAIM Revision Femoral Hip System, the GRIPTION TF Acetabular Augment System (hip replacement), and the GRIPTION TF Cones (knee replacement). It was claimed by the company that the GRIPTION TF, “a commercially pure titanium foam,” is a “strong, corrosion-resistant metal that has high surface roughness and similar elasticity to bone.”

Despite the seemingly dependable ruling of the FDA, the consumers are not completely assured of the quality of the products. They simply determine that the advantages offset the risks. In most instances, the FDA gives an approval when a product passes clinical testing which are usually sponsored and performed by the same company that intends to sell the said products for profit. However, a premarket notification, or a 510(k), is given to a device which is deemed “substantially equivalent” with previously approved products.

This benefits companies in that they do not need to spend money on clinical testing. Though not all 510(k) rulings backfire, there have been cases where consumers of certain products have suffered the dangers of products that have not gone through clinical trials. This was what happened to recipients of the DePuy ASR hip implants.

You should note that having an FDA approved DePuy orthopedic device does not equal safety. Patients should be well-informed about the products they intend to use on themselves. Currently, hundreds have filed for DePuy hip lawsuits to recover compensation for the losses they were made to go through as a result of using the defective ASRs. If you want to learn more about the ongoing litigation, visit the DePuy hip recall information center.

As early as 2007, specific warnings were given by the Australian National Joint Registry to DePuy Orthopaedics relating to serious concerns about the safety and long-term effectiveness of the hip replacement devices. But two years have passed until the company have made efforts to withdraw the implants from the Australian market claiming that they were not selling well.

Clearly, the company have prior insight to the defects of its ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System. Seven reports from the Australian registry were given to DePuy but the company waited three months before notifying the United States Food and Drugs Administration about these problems. DePuy waited five more months after that to eventually issue a voluntary recall on the hip replacement devices.

What finally prompted DePuy to recall their products was data from the largest joint registry in the world, the National Joint Registry of England and Wales. There it was found that the ASR devices fail within five years if implantation and one out of eight recipients require a revision surgery. That means that the devices’ failure rate, which is 12-13 percent, is way above the 5 percent industry standard.

No reason was stated by DePuy as to why they waited a substantial amount of time to announce the ASR hip replacement recall. What is clear is that thousands have been affected by the complications these devices cause. If you or a loved one, have been put through tremendous suffering as a result of the hip recall, you should contact a lawyer immediately for you to have options about recovering compensation from DePuy. More information is available when you visit the DePuy hip recall center.