DePuy ASR Hip System Recall

DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. voluntarily recalled their ASR^TM XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR ^TM Hip Resurfacing System. These systems are used for hip replacement surgeries and for those who need secondary hip replacements, called "revision surgery." Yearly monitoring is recommended for the system to ensure that it functions properly, even if there aren't any symptoms. A five-year data test conducted by the National Joint Registry showed that the ASR ^TM Hip Resurfacing System had a five-year revision rate of 12% while the revision rate for the ASR ^TM XL Acetabular System was 13%.

DePuy is responsible for manufacturing thousands of defective implants, and Johnson & Johnson had to recall hundreds of thousands of defective hip implant devices since the defect was discovered in August 2010. To encourage physicians to buy this equipment from DePuy, DePuy compensated these doctors with nearly $50 million in 2009. Although DePuy discloses these payments and categorizes them as "compensation for research," "airfare," "meals," and other expenses, some doctors were paid $1 million from the company.

According to expert, Gregory E. Demske, an assistant inspector general, testified that "…[I]n an environment where physicians routinely receive substantial compensation from medical device companies through stock options, royalty agreements, consulting agreements, research grants and fellowships, evidence suggests that there is a significant risk that such payments will improperly influence medical decision-making."

Although some of the compensation is legitimate, the total amount that is paid to physicians during the year is troubling to hear, especially for those affected by these defective hip replacement surgeries. Call Berglund & Johnson at 1-800-4-IF-HURT ; 1-800-443-4878 if you have been affected by DePuy's recalled devices. If you are unsure if it was a DePuy device, call us and we will do the research for you.