Two Johnson and Johnson’s Hip Implants Recalled

Two hip replacement products are part of a recall by Johnson and Johnson’s orthopedic division

The products being recalled are the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, which is sold throughout the U.S.. The second product part of the recall is the ASR XL Acetabular System.

There have been three reported incidents involving fractures of devices after implantation and one report was associated with a bone fracture.

Johnson and Johnson is asking doctors who have implanted the hip replacement components in question to contact their patients and request a follow-up visit for evaluation. The company noted that a small number of patients may not exhibit symptoms of product failure but may nevertheless develop soft-tissue damage as a result of metal debris generated by the artificial joint. Although the mechanical ball and socket device is in time expected to wear out and need replacement, this rate was higher than expected, especially among women.

The DePuy ASR is a metal-on-metal hip replacement system developed in 2005. Health care professionals have increasingly been warning about problems with metal-on-metal hip implants, which can shed metal particles into the body. The particles can damage soft tissue, cause inflammatory reactions and lead to bone loss.

Johnson & Johnson have said that they will not only cover the cost of the replacement hip replacement surgeries, but they will also cover doctor visits and any medical tests needed in conjunction with the surgeries. Patients must fill out application forms provided by Johnson & Johnson.

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.