The Boston product liability lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck are handling cases involving patients affected by the DePuy hip recall.

Two DePuy ASR hip implants were recalled on August 26, 2010 by the manufacturer, the DePuy Orthopaedics unit of Johnson & Johnson.

DePuy recalled the ASR XL Acetabular System, a hip socket used in traditional hip replacement, and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, a partial hip replacement that places a metal cap on the ball of the femur and aims to preserve more bone. The traditional hip implant was available throughout the world. The resurfacing implant was not approved in the United States. The hip implant has been found to be defective because of friction between two metallic components.

How Do The DePuy Hip Implants Work? A functioning hip has a femur, a ball-shaped bone that fits on the top of the leg in a cup-shaped pelvis bone called the acetabulum.

The DePuy hip implant is comprised of ball and socket metal components that replace these bones. These components wear over time and were known to generate small metal particles as part of standard procedure.

What Complications Have People Experienced? The Food and Drug Administration received about 400 complaints in two years from patients who received the DePuy hip implants in the United States.

Most hip implants last for 15 years. The DePuy hip recall was issued after the company received data showing 12 percent of patients - or one in eight - required a replacement surgery within just five years.

There are a few ways the DePuy hip implants malfunction. First, they are difficult to implant in the precise location, making it hard for pieces to settle in the right location.  The device also involves contact between metal components, causing friction harmful to the body.

DePuy said patients experienced pain, swelling and problems walking. While this is normal immediately following a hip replacement, extended symptoms may indicate a more serious problem such as the implant loosening, a bone fracture and dislocation of the device's parts.

How Are The DePuy Hip Implant Complications Treated? Patients often require a second hip replacement, or revision surgery, which requires months of rehabilitation.

What Should You Do If You Have a DePuy Hip Implant? It is unclear how soon patients will require a revision surgery. If you have a DePuy hip implant, you should contact your orthopaedic surgeon. Your surgeon will order X-rays and may recommend a new surgery based on the results.

Your surgeon may order additional blood testing to measure the level of metal particles around your hip. If a high level is revealed, your surgeon may order a second surgery.

If you have been injured in the DePuy hip recall, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. You should contact your orthopaedic surgeon, then contact the Boston product liability lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck. We represent clients throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and other New England states.

We can help you determine your rights and options. Contact us today at (800) 379-1244.