The Rottenstein Law Group Urges Hip Replacement Recipients to Recognize the Symptoms of Hip Replacement Failure

(New York, NY, January 14, 2011) The Rottenstein Law Group is urging hip replacement recipients to pay attention to their health and well-being by being able to recognize the symptoms that may indicate their implanted replacement hip device might be failing. This has never been more vital, since more and more individuals are coming forward in the wake of DePuy Orthopaedics (a division of Johnson & Johnson) worldwide recall of their ASR XL Acetabular System, and ASR Hip Resurfacing System in August, 2010. It was discovered by joint registries outside the United States that 12 to 13 percent of these devices were failing, about 5 years after implantation. The expected life span of a DePuy hip implant was supposed to be 15 years. The DePuy recall has affected about 93,000 individuals, with new cases being discovered every day. Recipients of these devices must undergo a painful revision surgery to correct the damage inflicted by the defective implant.
Although hip replacement surgery is considered to be one of those “medical miracles” that can correct a variety of hip ailments, restoring normalcy to the lives of those who suffered with physical limitations, the possibility exists for problems to develop years down the road. In order to ensure the proper function of a hip replacement device, it is important to be mindful of certain symptoms that could indicate a failure of the device. Those symptoms might include discomfort and inflammation around the implant area, bone loss, reduced range of motion and/or difficulty walking. Patients should also be aware of muscle weakness, and be tested for higher than normal levels of metallic ions in the blood. They could be an indication of the formation of pseudotumors, or possible inflammation of tendons and ligaments. Even if the implanted device is not failing, it has the potential to do so, even if it was not manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics.
First and foremost, patients are advised to consult with their physicians to have any existing symptoms evaluated, or to simply find out more details about the type of device they were implanted with. To further contribute to peace of mind, the next step should be a consultation with a hip replacement lawyer, to determine whether there is a possibility to recover damages for a faulty hip replacement device. The Rottenstein Law Group has set up a Hip Recall Web site to provide potential claimants with more information.
About the Rottenstein Law Group
The Rottenstein Law Group is a New York-based law firm that represents clients in mass tort actions. The firm was founded by Rochelle Rottenstein, a lawyer with over two decades of experience in compassionate representation of clients in consumer product injury, mass tort, and class action law suits. For more information, please visit their Web site, or call (888) 9-ROT-LAW.

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