Last year, DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled two of their hip replacement systems due to a higher-than-usual failure rate, causing patients to have to have second surgeries to replace the replacement. (To read our blog about that announcement, click here: DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Raises More Questions)
Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered all producers of “metal-on-metal” hip replacements to study the implants. According to an article published in The New York Times:
Under the order, producers of “metal-on-metal” hips will have to conduct studies of patients who received the device to determine, among other things, whether the implants are shedding high levels of metallic debris. Some patients have encountered that problem, including soft tissue damage that has disabled them.
This means that DePuy may not be the only potentially dangerous hip replacement brand. Other brands that are included in the order are Zimmer, Stryker, Biomet, and Wright Medical.
Under the order, each manufacturer is allowed to determine how to conduct its own research study, as long as they collect information and blood samples from all hip-replacement patients. The overall goals are to determine how often the devices fail, and what other health effects might be due to the metal-on-metal hips.
With HensonFuerst, your health is at the top of our priority list. We dedicate ourselves to protecting individuals from the greed and callousness of large corporations. If you believe you have been harmed by a metal-on-metal hip replacement, regardless of the brand, let us work for you. Our attorneys are available 24 hours/day, every day of the year at 1-800-4-LAW-MED (1-800-452-9633). Or, visit our website at www.hensonfuerst.com for more information. You can also fill out a free online consultation form for an immediate evaluation of your case.
If you have questions, HensonFuerst has answers!
