UPDATE: Johnson & Johnson Recall Two Hip Replacement Product Systems

Two hip replacement products are the subject of an international voluntary recall by Johnson and Johnson’s orthopedic
division, DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.

The company is concerned that the hip replacement products will wear out in five years or less, requiring another hip replacement surgery. Fractures of the artificial hips have also been reported.

Those with the hip replacement have reported that they have had pain and swelling of the hip, even months following their surgery. Imaging tests showed that the product had slipped out of the bone socket and in some cases had chipped or broken, leading to pain in the user. The metal systems are used for replacing worn and weakened parts of the hip. The ASR Hip Resurfacing System replaces the ball portion of the hip with a metal stem that fits into the top of the hip bone or femur.

Not all patients who have the product will require additional surgery. Consult with your doctor first to see if you are affected by this recall. Those most at risk of suffering complications are people who were fitted with ASR heads below 50mm in diameter and female patients. Those called back for review can expect to undergo a clinical examination, blood tests and an MRI scan, which will allow an accurate assessment of how the replaced joint is functioning. A minority may require further surgery using a different type of joint replacement.