A design flaw in how the metal hip cup was created is responsible for some of DePuy's problems. Some physicians have noted that the metal-on-metal implants were disbursing metal shards into patients' bodies that, in addition to leading to the development of masses in the body's tissues, could increase blood cobalt levels.

Excessive cobalt levels, known as cobaltism, is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of adverse reactions including "irritability, fatigue, ringing in the ears (tinnutis), hearing loss, headaches, loss of coordination, cognitive decline, and depression... blindness, convulsions, nerve damage, and disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) ...and tissue damage that can complicate future revision surgeries intended to replace the damaged metal implant," explained Drug Watch. When cobaltism occurs as a result of this type of medical implant, the condition is referred to as arthroprosthetic cobaltism.

DePuy not maintaining accurate records for patients implanted with their faulty devices has contributed to nearly half of all DePuy hip replacement patients never receiving notification of the recall, which means these patients may be unaware that they require revision surgery and that, with their movements, they are releasing metal shavings into their bodies.

Citing the New York Times, Drug Watch reported that surgeons had reported this problem to DePuy, but with minimal response. Today, the device maker has been condemned for not acting sooner to advise consumers about its devices' risks.

If you have been implanted with one of these defective devices, you should immediately seek advice from a lawyer that is knowledgeable about the DePuy hip implant recall and the injuries associated with these hip implants. For a free consultation with such an attorney, complete the form to the right or call 212-566-1000.  Based in New York City, Sullivan & Brill, LLP represents clients throughout the United States.