ASR Hip Implant Recalled

DePuy, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, recalled two DePuy ASR hip replacement systems.  The reason behind the recall is an exceptionally high failure rate leading to patients experiencing pain.  Many of these patients needed revision surgery and a second hip replacement as a result. 

Although the FDA announced the recall in early August, DePuy did not issue a press release until the end of the month.  In the release, they gave detailed information, including that 93,000 devices were sold.  DePuy also suggested patients with their hip implant see a surgeon for evaluation, regardless of if they're experiencing pain or not. 

The DePuy ASR has been on the market since 2005.  Health care professionals have warned the public about the dangers of metal-on-metal hip implants like the ASR.  Such implants can shed metal particles, releasing them into the body and damaging soft tissue.

In the last couple months, a number of lawsuits have been filed against DePuy.