Rottenstein Law Group Disturbed by Report that Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Devices Fail Quickly

(New York, NY, October 10. 2011) The Rottenstein Law Group, which represents clients with claims stemming from the failure of surgically implanted hip replacement devices manufactured and sold by DePuy Orthopaedics and other companies, acknowledges with great concern a New York Times article detailing the alarming failure rates of metal-on-metal hip replacement devices.
In a piece published on September 30, 2011, the Times reported on the case of Robert Cartier, a metal-on-metal hip replacement recipient, and his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Young-Min Kwon of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. According to the article, Dr. Kwon said that the damage to Mr. Cartier’s muscles near the implant was “more extensive than tests had indicated and might be permanent.”
The Times reports that “[a]ll orthopedic implants, regardless of their composition shed debris as they wear. But researchers say they believe that the particles released by some all-metal hips pose a special threat because scavenger cells dispatched by the body to neutralize the debris convert into biologically active metal ions. In some patients,” the article continues, “a chain reaction begins that can destroy tissue and muscle.”
A recent study conducted in England revealed that metal-on-metal hip replacements were failing at three times the rate of hips made from metal-and-plastic components, which can last 15 years or more, according to the Times article.
The Rottenstien Law Group notes that the majority of individuals contacting the firm seeking representation for the harm caused by the implantation of a replacement joint device received a metal-on-metal implant – either a DePuy ASR or Pinnacle, or a device made by another manufacturer. In August 2010, DePuy, a division of Johnson & Johnson, announced a global recall of its ASR Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System. More recently, problems with the company’s Pinnacle hip replacement system have been revealed. In May, federal actions against DePuy and J&J concerning the Pinnacle hip replacement devices were consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in multidistrict litigation. Claimants allege in these suits that the Pinnacle hips were defectively designed and/or that DePuy failed to provide adequate warnings concerning Pinnacle.
The Rottenstein Law Group is advising anyone with a friend or relative who has undergone a hip replacement procedure to reach out to that person and recommend that he or she consult a physician immediately and then speak to a qualified personal injury lawyer. The Rottenstein Law Group lawyers have a total of more than 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of clients who have suffered harm due to the negligence of powerful corporations.  Affected individuals can also stay apprised of the latest developments in the DePuy Pinnacle situation by visiting the DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit Information Center. The site is equipped with easy-to-use social media features which will enable users to spread the word about DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement device failures.
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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