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If you or a loved one underwent hip replacement surgery any time after the middle of 2003, you may be concerned about what you’ve heard about the DePuy recall. Unless you already know, before becoming too concerned, it is advised that you should contact your surgeon to determine what hip replacement device he used during your surgery. The devices covered by the DePuy recall include the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Resurfacing System placed on the market in July 2003. If your surgery was prior to this time, then your hip is not the subject of this DePuy recall and you are not a potential member of any DePuy lawsuit.

The causes for concern are the failure of the hip system within three to five years after surgery, much sooner than what would be expected if failure were to occur. As with some product failures resulting in recalls, not every DePuy hip fails too soon or at all. Some patients will never experience adverse symptoms not ordinarily associated with hip replacement surgery.

Symptoms of Failed Implant

Patients who experience symptoms such as excessive pain, inflammation in the hip joint, instability, or weakness, or who can hear a clicking sound should consult with the surgeon who performed the surgery. These symptoms generally result when the hip replacement device is not working properly.

However, an additional reason for the DePuy recall of its ASR hip system involves adverse reactions when the system is operating normally. The ASR hip system is made of metal components which rub together naturally during normal activity. Microscopic metal pieces fall off and enter the body. People reacting to these particles suffer from pain and inflammation around the joints. In addition, concerns regarding blood poisoning have been discussed.

Treatment

A visit with your surgeon is suggested even if you experience no symptoms. Your surgeon can discuss the possibilities and the potential for future problems. If you are experiencing any symptoms your surgeon will discuss your options and after testing and further monitoring, may recommend a second surgery to try and repair the problem.

A second surgery does not necessarily, but may, involve removing and replacing the hip implant. Other treatments for some symptoms include a change in diet, medications, and therapy. Treatments like this may relieve symptoms.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you are suffering from symptoms, or if you are just concerned about the future, you may consider discussing your options with a lawyer familiar with the DePuy recall and DePuy lawsuit. Several options for recovery are available to you, including simply accepting compensation from DePuy for expenses for your hip as a result of the recall, participating in the DePuy class action lawsuit, or filing your own lawsuit against DePuy.

The reasons for choosing one or the other can be very complex and are best discussed with an attorney who is protecting your best interests. Generally, the initial consultation with an attorney is free to the potential client.