Zimmer Durom Cup and DePuy A.S.R. Models Largely to Blame
In 2011 alone, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already received over 5,000 complaints involving problems with specific types of metal-on-metal hip implants, more than in the previous four years combined according to a New York Times article published on August 22, 2011.
Most of the complaints registered with the FDA concern earlier-than-expected hip implant failures, most of which ultimately require revision surgery. While the majority of hip replacement devices are allegedly designed to last for at least 15 years, an alarming number of patients are suffering from implant failures within just a few months of surgery.
The Defective Hip Implant Recall Lawyers at Fitts Zehl, LLP currently represent a number of individuals for injuries caused by defective Zimmer Durom Cup and DePuy ASR hip replacements. If you or someone you love is suffering from a defective hip implant, contact the experienced medical device injury lawyers at Fitts Zehl today for a free, confidential consultation: 1 (800) 993-4887.
Symptoms that could indicate the presence of a defective DePuy or Zimmer hip include:
- Clicking, crunching or other audible sounds coming from the device
- Constant pain in the hip, leg, lower back or groin
- Decreased ability to perform physical activity and
- Feeling the hip move or “pop” out of place.
DePuy Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) Hip Implant
The DePuy Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) XL Acetabular System is responsible for the vast majority of the complaints that have been submitted to the FDA. Manufacturer Johnson & Johnson recalled the DePuy ASR on August 26, 2010 due to its abnormally high failure rate. According to DePuy Orthopaedics, an astonishing 13% of all patients who were implanted with the ASR System will require a revision.
Zimmer Durom Cup Hip
Implant The Zimmer Durom Cup, introduced to the U.S. market early in 2006, was implanted in more than 12,000 patients during its almost 3 years of use. Each cup, known as a Durom Acetabular Component, is made from one single block of cobalt chromium alloy. Zimmer's Durom cup was specifically designed for use in younger, more active patients who would most likely outlive a conventional hip implant. Unfortunately, a large number of these patients have experienced pain and loss of mobility within a short time after the surgery. These crippling problems can usually only be solved by surgically removing the defective cup during a revision and replacing it with a new, functional component. In July of 2008, Zimmer Holdings finally announced it was recalling the Durom cup due to the frequency of patient complaints associated with the device.
Use of All-Metal Hip Implants in Decline
As concern over metal-on-metal hip implants continues to grow, the majority of surgeons are moving towards newer types of hip replacement components that utilize metal in conjunction with plastic. Estimates indicate that metal-on-metal hip implants currently account for only about 5% of all hip replacement procedures nationwide. Contact an Experienced Hip Recall Lawyer Today If you or a loved one have experienced pain or loss of mobility after being fitted with a hip replacement, contact the experienced hip implant injury attorneys at Fitts Zehl today for a free, no-obligation consultation: 1 (800) 993-4887.
