Hip replacement recall: DePuy recalls 93,000 ASR hip implants
7's On Your Side Tonight with details on a recalled hip replacement implant.
Sixty-year-old Jacqueline Hardy has one of the 93,000 ASR hip implants voluntarily recalled in August by maker DePuy Orthopaedics, a unit of Johnson and Johnson. She'll have it replaced after Christmas, her fifth hip replacement -- something she is dreading. After the last one, she was laid up for six months.
"I can't believe I have to go thru this again," Hardy said. "This is why we go through surgery, for the pain to cease, not to give us more problems."
DePuy acknowledges 12 to 13 percent of the ASR implant recipients need a second hip replacement within five years, due to pain, swelling and trouble walking.
DePuy says symptoms could be caused by a loose implant, a fracture, or a dislocation from misaligned parts. Blood tests from some patients show high levels of microscopic metal particles present, causing fluid to collect in the joint and surrounding muscles.
Attorney Andrew Bederman says Hardy is suffering and needs to be compensated.
"She in fact has 10 times the level of chromium and cobalt in her blood than she would normally have," Bederman said.
In a statement, the company said: "DePuy intends to cover reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment for patients who need services associated with the ASR recall. This could include blood tests, MRIs, ultrasounds, revision surgery and expenses related to receiving care, such as lost wages and travel costs."
"If they're willing to do that much, amen," Hardy said. "But I think a little more should be done."
DePuy has created a website and hotline to handle questions from patients, 888-627-2677.
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