How do I know if my replacement hip has been recalled?

If you’re first hearing about the recall of the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System manufactured and sold by DePuy Orthopaedics (a Johnson & Johnson company), you will likely want to know for certain whether you had one of these dangerous, defective devices implanted in you—especially if you had hip replacement surgery after July 2003.

If you don’t know what specific device(s) you received, and you don’t have the information at hand, you can and should call your doctor (either your general practitioner or the surgeon who performed the procedure) or the hospital where your hip replacement operation was performed. (Johnson & Johnson/DePuy itself does not keep records of this information.)

You might learn that your replacement hip is indeed a recalled ASR unit. Even if you are not experiencing any pain/discomfort or swelling, it is possible that your replacement hip is faulty. You could develop painful side effects in the future. 1 in 8 recipients of a ASR hip replacement device requires a second surgery.

Your doctor will be aware of the recall and will have you schedule a visit. During your doctor’s visit, you can expect to have a blood test to measure the level of microscopic metal parts surrounding your hip, in addition to other testing to determine if your hip replacement if functioning properly. Only by receiving a complete medical diagnosis can you can be sure that you are not in danger. Depending on what your doctor recommends, this could include returning for an annual evaluation to make sure the ASR device inside of you continues to function safely.

If your doctor determines that your ASR device(s) should be removed and replaced, your next step should be to contact the Rottenstein Law Group. Although Johnson & Johnson has promised to reimburse recipients of ASR hips the costs of all relevant testing and treatment (including, if necessary, a follow-up surgery), and recommends that you contact them regarding your claim, the fact is this company already betrayed your trust once. The lawyers of RLG will demand compensation from J&J for all of your pain and suffering. Because you’ve taken enough, so we’ll take it from here.