An urgent recall was announced last year for DePuy ASR hip replacement systems due to a “higher than expected failure rate”. The “failure rate” which initiated the hip replacement recall relates to the rate at which friction between the hip replacement system and the patients hip bone weakens the bone and releases sub-microscopic particles into the blood stream. Even though all hip replacement systems have an element of wear and tear, the DePuy hip replacement recall was due to this occurring far more rapidly than with other systems.
Further research in the United States – where the hip replacement recall has a bigger impact – has suggested that metal-on-metal devices such as the DePuy faulty hip replacement system can cause “Cobaltism”. This is a condition where minute particles of cobalt get into the bloodstream and travel to other organs of the body – specifically the brain and heart. Despite the Health Services Executive (HSE) denying these claims, a number of patients being monitored for early signs of wear in their DePuy hip replacement systems have also undergone MRI scans on their brains.
This hip replacement recall affects more than 3,500 people in Ireland who have had these systems implanted since 2003. The required revision surgery these patients will have to undergo is more complicated than the initial implant, more painful, and requires a longer rehabilitation period. DePuy Orthopaedics – the company responsible for manufacturing the faulty hip replacement system – has offered to cover the cost of monitoring patients and provide revision surgery, but has declined to offer hip replacement compensation for their negligence.
If You Are Concerned About the Hip Replacement Recall
If you are concerned about the hip replacement recall, the first thing you should do is visit your local GP or hospital. They will perform an x-ray on the hip replacement and take a blood test to ensure that there is no damage to the hip bone and that you do not have a dangerous level of sub-microscopic particles in your blood stream. Under no circumstances should you sign the DePuy hip replacement consent form, as this document releases your medical notes to DePuy Orthopaedics and will void any entitlement you may have to claim hip replacement compensation.
Free DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Advice
Once you have had your health monitored, you should speak with a legal expert on our free DePuy hip replacement recall advice service. Currently, a number of test cases are going through the courts in the United States – the outcomes of which will set a precedent for claims for hip replacement compensation to be made against DePuy Orthopaedics. Our solicitors will be able to advise you about the latest state of these cases, what you should do if you are affected by the DePuy hip replacement recall and how you may be able to claim hip replacement compensation in Ireland.
The number to call is 1-800 989 995, and our lines are open from 8.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week. There is no obligation on you to proceed with a hip replacement recall claim once you have spoken with us, so no pressure will be put on you to enter into any type of legal agreement. All calls to our free DePuy hip replacement recall advice service are completely confidential and even if you have mistakenly signed the DePuy hip replacement consent form, we would still like to hear from you.
Call us now on 1-800 989 995 or if you cannot speak now please fill in the form on the left and we will call you back.
What to Expect When You Call
We appreciate that many people will be concerned about the effects the DePuy hip replacement recall will have on their lives. Over 70,000 people in Ireland have had hip replacement systems implanted since 2003, and although only a small minority have received the faulty hip replacement system, there is a great deal of contradictory information available.
Therefore we will immediately address any concerns you may have about what is fact and what is just rumour, explain to you how this could have happened and what the full consequences are. Your own personal situation will greatly influence how soon you require revision surgery (light-boned women are more at risk) and so it is better to speak with us at your earliest possible opportunity.
Even if you have signed the DePuy hip replacement consent form, there may still be action taken against the HSE which you can benefit from. The HSE was aware in 2008 that the DePuy hip replacement system was faulty, yet continued to use these systems for hip replacement surgery until the end of 2010. Furthermore, if evidence of cobaltism is found in Ireland, the HSE may be charged with medical negligence – as they were for the anti-D blood transfusion scandal of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Please remember that calling our free DePuy hip replacement recall advice service on 1-800 989 995 does not commit you to taking any action now or in the future – but it is in your best interests to speak with a solicitor who is familiar with current events as soon as possible. If now is not a good time to speak with us, please leave your contact details in the call-back form at the foot of the page and one of our solicitors will get back in touch with you when it is more convenient for you.
