Metallosis

September 2, 2013

DePuy ASR Hip Failure Lawsuits Heading to Settlement?

According to sources, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and its subsidiary DePuy, are in active discussions to attempt a global settlement of their defective ASR metal on metal artificial hips.

J&J Potential Settlement North of $3 Billion

Apparently J&J has discussed paying more than $3 billion to settle lawsuits over its recalled hip implants. J&J is exposed to over 11,500 product liability lawsuits in the U.S. and is considering paying more than $300,000 per case. According to experts, such a global settlement would surpass $3 billion if most plaintiffs accept the proposed terms, this valuation is 50% larger than previously proposed.

September 1, 2013

Stryker Oasys Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic System Recalled

by Dr. Shezad Malik

Stryker, a well known artificial hip and medical device manufacturer, is recalling devices used in spinal surgeries. The FDA has assigned its most serious warning label to the problem, indicating that using the device could result in serious injury or death. Stryker is already under fire over lawsuits involving its Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II artificial hips, amid allegations of early failure of the devices and the risk of metallosis. Metallosis occurs when the component parts grind against each other releasing metal ions into the bloodstream and hip joint, leading to loosening of the hip device, bone destruction, pain and swelling.

The device is the Oasys Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic System, which is designed to stabilize the junction between the occipital bone and vertebrae in the cervical spine.

Stryker has received reports that a pin that connects the tulip head to the plate body can fracture, possibly causing blood loss, nerve injury and the need for revision surgery. The FDA put its Class I designation on the recall, a notification for potentially deadly malfunctions.

July 17, 2013

Federal DePuy ASR Trial Set For September

by Dr. Shezad Malik

A New York woman, Ann McCracken’s defective hip claim will be the first DePuy ASR hip lawsuit to go to trial in federal court. McCracken’s case is a “bellwether” case, designed to determine how juries will respond to presented evidence and testimony.

7,800 Federal DePuy ASR Lawsuits

More than 7,800 lawsuits have been brought in the federal court system by folks who have problems with the recalled DePuy ASR hip implant. These metal on metal hip cases are consolidated as part of an MDL, or Multidistrict Litigation, which is centralized before U.S. District Judge Katz in the Northern District of Ohio.