DePuy Hip Replacement Issues

Since its recall last August 26, 2010, DePuy engaged the services of Broadspire Services Inc. to manage its compensation affairs especially to administerclaims, surprising business critics in the United States. The Jonhson & Johnson subsidiary, DePuy Orthopaedics, recalled its two hip replacement devices, namely ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System. The hip socket used in traditional hip replacements is DePuy’s ASR XL Acetabular System, while the partial hip replacement system is DePuy’s ASR Hip Resurfacing System which places a metal cap on the femur’s ball in order to preserve more bone.The DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System was introduced in 2003 and was approved for use only outside the United States. In 2004, the ASR XL Acetabular System was introduced and made available. Approximately 93,000 DePuy implants have been noted worldwide. The recall was due to revision surgery complaints after the hip replacement failure, said DePuy.

Within a couple of years, 400 DePuy hip replacement complaints have been gathered by the US Food and Drug Administration from patients who received implants. Ever since, the company recommended their patients to consult with a surgeon to evaluate and monitor the status of their hip implant. DePuy agreed to shell out the medical expenses incurred by their patients for evaluated revision surgeries and related out-of-pocket expenses.

A traditional hip replacement involves the removal of the diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint through an incision then replacing it with artificial parts. After the operation, the prosthetic ball and socket device would restore mobility and improve one’s lifestyle. Hip replacements are usually performed for people in their seniority but at present, a lot of young people avail of the procedure to improve their daily activities.

As new technology for artificial parts developed, such as DePuy’s hip replacement systems, many doctors found it thriving among younger people as well. These technologies allow people to withstand more stress and engage in physically demanding activities. Most surgeons prefer DePuy’s ASR devices for younger patients because of its stability and slim chance for a second operation. Contrary to this expectation, the product’s failure prompted a high rate of 13% of revision surgeries among DePuy patients. Women who used DePuy’s ASR XL Acetabular System were noted to have the highest revision. Since its recall, quality medical devices and accountability of manufacturers to injured consumers have been the cry of patients who had DePuy hip replacement.