The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised persons who have received a Hip Replacement since 2004 that they may be recalled...
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised persons who have received a Hip Replacement since 2004 that they may be recalled to hospital for scans, blood tests and/or corrective surgery following the recall of a defective Hip Replacement device used in Irish hospitals since that time.
The product manufactured by US Firm DePuy Orthopaedics has now been withdrawn from use with immediate effect. The Company has stated that “All components for the ASR™ XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR™ Hip Resurfacing Platform from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. are part of this recall”.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has now confirmed that 12 incidents have been reported by patients fitted with the device.
DePuy has confirmed that “more people than expected who received the ASR Hip System experienced pain and other symptoms that led to a second hip replacement surgery, called a revision surgery… New data shows that five years after implantation, approximately 12% of patients (1 in 8) who had received the ASR resurfacing device and 13% of patients (1 in 8) who had received the ASR total hip replacement needed to have a revision surgery”.
Furthermore the Company has advised that if you have an ASR hip implant:
- Schedule an appointment with your surgeon. Your doctor will be able to evaluate how your hip is functioning.
- If you are experiencing pain or difficulty walking, contact your surgeon. He or she will perform tests to evaluate your hip replacement. Based on that evaluation, your surgeon will discuss next steps with you.
- Your visit to the orthopaedic surgeon may include a blood test that indicates the level of microscopic metal particles around your hip. If the blood test indicates a high level of these particles, your surgeon may want to do a second blood test three months later. These levels may be high even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, so this blood testing is very important.
With over 30 years experience Kent Carty Solicitors can advise clients on their legal rights in such cases. If your surgeon has confirmed your hip replacement device is a device recalled by DePuy and you have suffered pain and discomfort as a result (regardless of whether you require corrective surgery) you can telephone us to discuss your legal options.
The Law in this area is governed by Medical Negligence and Defective Product Regulations formulated by the European Union (EU). We are happy to advise you on how the law will apply to your case and what rights you are entitled to enforce.
If you are concerned about any documents you are asked to sign you can contact us immediately to discuss.
WARNING: Injuries that arise out of a Medical Service will not be dealt with by the Injuries Board. Furthermore the government in 2004 reduced the time limit for persons to bring claims for damages and you will be obliged to pursue your claim within 2 years. Consequently we would advise clients to seek both medical and legal advice and if appropriate issue proceedings immediately to keep their claim within the time limit set by the Statute of Limitations.
For further information please contact John Carty or Killian Carty.