Medico Legal Conference – Saturday 8th January 2011.
Potential Health Issues for 3500 people affected by defective hip implant DePuy ASR hip replacement system recall.

3500 Irish people affected by the recent hip replacement recall are awaiting a review of their implant to find out if they will need further surgery. On the 27th of August 2010 DePuy recalled their ASR Hip Resurfacing System and ASR Total Hip Replacement products from the market. The HSE wrote to all Irish hospitals’ Orthopaedic Units requesting them to recall or withdraw the ASR implants. Research has shown that 5 years after implantation, 12% of patients who’d received the ASR Resurfacing System, and 13% of those fitted with the ASR Total Hip Replacement, needed a second or revision surgery. In Ireland, the 3500 people who received these implants will need to be reviewed – on the basis of the above figures, around 400 of those people will require revision surgery.

Each person who received this type of implant has a potential action against the Manufacturer and also the Distributor of this product. Such a claim may be in relation to orthopaedic issues involving a revision (i.e., extensive further hip surgery) because the hip implant has failed or the patient shows significant levels of metallosis. Metallosis may result in a situation where revision surgery is more difficult to carry out because of the effects on the joint. Further studies are being carried out in relation to the effects of Cobaltism/Metallosis. High levels of Cobalt in the blood may affect patients with poor renal (kidney) function or a previous history of kidney/urinary problems. A recent study has shown that many patients with metal-on-metal hip implants may develop Renal Impairment with time. Neurological and cardiac assessments may also need to be carried out on affected patients. Malcomson Law have been contacted by many concerned patients in relation to the above issues.

“It should be remembered that DePuy is one of the larger worldwide makers of medical hip implant devices. Yet, although the company has significant expertise, it is now known that a large number of its hip implants may be causing physical consequences and, indeed, emotional worry. In addition, it is now appreciated that painful and costly surgical procedures will be required by patients arising out of these defective implants” said Raymond Bradley of Malcomson Law.

Malcomson Law Managing Partner Raymond Bradley will be joined by guest expert speakers Dr Thomas Joyce and Mr David Langton from Newcastle University’s School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering. Mr Langton is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Dr Joyce a reader in Biotribology at the University, and together they have published widely on the design faults of the DePuy ASR Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing Systems. The conference presents a chance for people to learn about the technical and medical aspects of the faulty implants from the guest speakers, and to find out more information about their legal rights arising from the recall. Contact Malcomson Law, on (01)8744422 or email us at help@mlaw.ie

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