Posted April 19, 2010 by Cindy L. Nations
DePuy Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced a global recall of the following hip implants on August 24, 2010:
- ASR™ XL Acetabular System
- ASR™ Hip Resurfacing System
The devices were recalled because of a design defect that causes metallic ions to be released into the bloodstream and causes damage to surrounding tissue. The result is severe pain and potentially toxic levels of chromium and cobalt in the blood, the effects of which remains to be seen. The failed implants have to be replaced through revision surgery, which is more complicated than the original hip implant procedure. Although the recall was issued in July 2010, DePuy didn’t send the Dear Doctor Letter until the end of August.
