DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices and Diagnostics group, has become infamous for manufacturing defective hip replacements. While they have already taken measures to discontinue the sale of certain products, like the ASR XL Acetabular metal-on-metal hip replacement, some think that their efforts are "too little, too late." Thousands of patients have already been implanted with DePuy's flawed products, and it has been estimated that approximately 20% of these individuals will require additional surgery to repair or remove the device—which is calculated at around 1 in 8. DePuy took measures to warn doctors of their products' higher-than-expected failure rate in 2010, but it was not until earlier this year that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class 1 recall of the company's DePuy LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve.
Just a few months later, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. issued a statement about their "ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline" their products. They explain that they will be discontinuing the sales of the metal liner used in the Ultamet Metal-on-Metal Articulation and the Complete Ceramic-on-Metal Acetabular Hip System, but that they will continue to offer a wide range of hip replacement devices. The company claims that the discontinuation of these products is not related to safety or efficacy, but rather low clinician use. It may also have something to do with the fact that the FDA announced that all metal-on-metal hip replacements with existing 510(k) clearances must be approved through the Premarket Approval (PMA) process. Instead of focusing on improving these unsuccessful devices, DePuy plans on investing in new bearing technologies like ceramic and polyethylene.
Even so, hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed against the company, alleging negligent design and promotion of a defective product. The New York Times has also reported that the company released their products out onto the market without conducting an adequate level of testing and/or research, so it is important to understand that you are not alone if you, yourself have experienced the negative ramifications of this defective medical device. By enlisting the qualified assistance of a Columbia personal injury attorney from the Sumner Law Group, LLC, you can get started on pursuing the level of compensation that you deserve. In order to find out if you have a valid claim, however, we encourage you to let our firm review your case for free. All you have to do is call our office today at (573) 287-3178. If you would prefer to reach us online, you can also fill out the free case evaluation form that is located on our website.