Keep An Eye on DePuy ASR Patients: Consumer Group

Washington, DCIt's an observation that hasn't had too much traction in the whole DePuy Hip Replacement debacle. However, the consumer advocacy group America's Watchdog wonders just how many recent hip replacement recipients may well be experiencing pain and discomfort, but may be resisting the urge to report their symptoms out of fear over the need for revision surgery so soon after their initial operation.

The group, which bills itself as the National Advocacy Group for Consumer Protection and Corporate Fair Play, notes that family members and loved ones should be sensitive to outward signs of discomfort on the part of the recent hip replacement patient, in the event the recipient isn't telling.

"Because many individuals who received a ASR DePuy hip implant do not want to go through a painful hip replacement surgery, also called revision surgery, they do not complain," states a release by the group on its Web site, US Drug Watchdog. "Because of this, we are strongly encouraging family members or loved ones of anyone receiving a hip implant between 2005 and early 2010 to ask if it was a ASR DePuy hip implant."

The DePuy ASR hip was subject to a Hip Replacement Recall last year in the US following a corresponding recall in Australia in late 2009. Critics of the hip system note that the cup used in the metal-on-metal prosthetic hip is shallower than traditional systems, leaving a much narrower margin of error for the surgeon. Metal debris has resulted in fluid buildup and benign tumor growth in some patients.

Critics of Johnson & Johnson, the parent company to DePuy, accuse the manufacturer of receiving complaints from patients for nigh on two years, but did nothing.

"Even more worrisome to us is the fact that the ASR DePuy hip implant was sold as the right hip implant for younger adults who wanted to have an active or athletic lifestyle," says America's Watchdog.

The group urges family members of recent prosthetic hip recipients to be on the lookout for symptoms that include, but may not be limited to, pain in the hip region, problems while walking or the inability to walk, swelling of the hip, general discomfort, or lack of flexibility.

"We could have tens of thousands of ASR DePuy hip implant victims in the US, and because of age, or not wanting to go through a hip replacement revision surgery again, they say nothing."

The DePuy Hip was an active part of the metal-on-metal hip replacement revolution that showed much promise early on and became a favorite for surgeons before the devices began failing at a higher rate than standard hip replacements.

Under normal circumstances, artificial hips can be expected to last at least 15 years. However, some patients have required revision surgery in as little as 18 months. The issue has driven many patients to seek legal support for a DePuy Lawsuit.