A worldwide recall was issued for DePuy's ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System following the release of information from England's and Wale's National Joint Registry that revealed that about 13 percent of all patients with the recalled medical devices required revision surgery within the first five years of implantation. The surgery involves removal of the device and reimplantation with another device on less bone, a longer, riskier procedure.

The unprecedented failure rate is a serious issue given that some 93,000 patients have been fitted with the implants globally.

About 30 percent of these patients are in the United States and approximately 6500 Australians were advised that their hip replacements could prove dangerous. Since, dozens of patients in Australia have reported toxic metal in their bloodstream, with at least one patient experiencing toxic cobalt levels so high that there was danger of significant morbidity. Also, about 10 percent of the patients in Australia who were notified of the problem have had to undergo revision surgery.

The defective devices have also led to other problems necessitating revision surgery such as pain, discomfort, problems with flexibility, and problems walking, which has left some unable to return to activities they previously enjoyed.

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.