Thousands of knee and hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., and these procedures are often highly successful in restoring mobility, eliminating pain and improving the patient’s quality of life. However, although joint replacement has given countless patients a new chance to live their lives, there continues to be a sharp increase in the number of patients seeking revision surgeries, or a second replacement procedure. In particular, the DePuy hip failure has caused thousands of patients to file claims against the manufacturer after allegedly suffering from adverse and life-threatening side effects.

Why Do Implants Fail?

When a hip or knee implant wears out or another problem develops, a patient may need a second surgery in which the existing components or implant are taken out and subsequently replaced. Although some newer devices are designed to last up to 20 years, more implants used in joint replacement are typically expected to last between 10 and 15 years. However, a revision procedure is sometimes needed sooner due to one or more of the following reasons:

• A fracture. A severe blow or fall may cause a fracture of the bone near the knee or hip replacement.
• Loosening of the implant. The knee or hip replacement may become painful after several years because the components have worn down and loosened.
• Infection. This can be a life-threatening complication. If an infection develops in a knee or hip replacement, revision is often needed to remove the infection and to implant new components.
• Dislocation. If the implant continuously dislocates, a revision procedure is often needed to prevent it from happening again.
• Implant recall. The implant used in replacement procedures may have a proven complication, and patients who received the implant are advised to make sure they are being closely monitored by their physicians to ensure that the device does not need to be replaced.

For instance, the DePuy hip implant has been recalled due to early device failure as evident by the following symptoms:

• Difficulty walking
• Limited mobility
• Lack of flexibility
• Swelling or numbness
• Limping
• Grinding, popping or squeaking of the hip
• Loosening of the device
• Difficulty placing weight on the hip
• Pain or stiffness in the thigh, groin, leg or hip

Those who are experiencing one or more of these symptoms of DePuy hip failure should consider seeking legal counsel to file a claim and work to recover compensation for their injuries.

What to Do Before and After a DePuy Hip Failure

Health care providers often advise patients to avoid overusing the joint and avoid sports in which landing hard or jumping can weaken or damage the joint. Instead, patients are urged to maintain a healthy weight and visit their orthopedic surgeons every few years after a procedure even if complications are not noticed.

However, once the initial healing has finished and the discomfort immediately following the implant has diminished, patients are advised to see their orthopedic surgeons if pain develops suddenly. It is important to find a surgeon who has experience and skill in performing revision procedures due to the complexity of revision hip and knee replacements.

DePuy Overview

The DePuy ASR hip implant was recalled in August 2010 after studies showed that the devices were prematurely failing in patients who had them for five years. As a result, over 93,000 devices were sold prior to the recall, and court documents indicate that over 10,000 patients fitted with allegedly defective implants have filed lawsuits after suffering from swelling, pain, metal poisoning, early device failure and other complications. On November 12, 2013, DePuy conditionally agreed to pay a $2.5 billion settlement to patients who were fitted with the DePuy ASR hip implant and underwent a revision procedure prior to August 31, 2013. For more information about the DePuy hip failure settlement, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today.

Experiencing a DePuy Hip Failure? Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one were fitted with a DePuy hip implant and you experienced early DePuy hip failure, you may be entitled to file a claim against the manufacturer and recover damages for your injuries despite the deadline that recently passed for the Depuy settlement. At the American Injury Attorney Group, we understand how emotionally, physically and financially draining these cases can be, and we will do our best to answer your questions and help you to determine if you have a claim. Should we determine that you have a case, we will connect you with an affiliated attorney who will handle your DePuy hip failure lawsuit throughout the legal process and work to help you recover the compensation to which you may be entitled.

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