DePuy Synthes Implants Lawyer

In December 2016, DePuy Synthes, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled the elbow implant after patients and doctors began reporting problems with loosening where the stem attached to the bone. At the time of the recall, more than 50,000 of the elbow implants had been manufactured and distributed.

However, despite their significant contributions to orthopedics, DePuy Synthes has faced challenges with product recalls that have impacted their reputation and raised concerns among patients and healthcare providers. One of the most notable instances involves the recall of their ASR (Articular Surface Replacement) hip implant systems. Initiated in August 2010, this recall was a response to a higher-than-expected rate of revision surgeries required by patients who received these implants. The ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System were found to have a failure rate much higher than industry standards, leading to pain, mobility issues, and the need for additional surgeries in affected patients.

The recall was based on data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales, revealing that within five years of implantation, approximately 13% of patients with the ASR resurfacing device and 12% of patients with the ASR total hip replacement needed revision surgeries. These figures were alarmingly high compared to average revision rates for hip implants. The issue was primarily attributed to the metal-on-metal design of the implants, which could release metal particles into the body as the implant components wore against each other. This could lead to metallosis, a condition where metal debris builds up in the soft tissues of the body, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes systemic reactions.

What Effects of The Recall

The recall had significant legal and financial repercussions for DePuy Synthes and Johnson & Johnson. Thousands of lawsuits were filed by patients affected by the faulty implants, leading to multimillion-dollar settlements and further scrutiny of the company’s product safety and testing procedures. In response to the recall and the issues it uncovered, DePuy Synthes and the broader medical device industry have had to address stringent regulatory standards and improve surveillance and testing of their products.

Since the recall, DePuy Synthes has worked to enhance its product development processes, focusing on safety and efficacy to prevent similar incidents. The company has invested in research and technology to create more reliable and longer-lasting implants, including those made from alternative materials that reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, there has been an industry-wide push towards better pre-market testing and post-market surveillance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of implants.

In summary, while DePuy Synthes has played a pivotal role in advancing orthopedic care, the recalls of their implants, particularly the ASR hip systems, have highlighted the importance of rigorous product testing and monitoring. These incidents have spurred improvements in medical device regulations and practices, ultimately aiming to safeguard patient health and trust in medical innovations.

Our DePuy Synthes Implants Lawyer Can Help You

Siro Smith Dickson is currently investigating cases where individuals have the DePuy Synthes implant and have had the following issues:

  • Device loosening
  • Bone loss
  • Poor range of motion
  • Bone fracture
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Revision surgery

If you are experiencing these symptoms and had to have revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact Siro Smith Dickson for a free consultation.