Johnson & Johnson recalls 93,000 defective hip implants, promises to bear patients' expenses - International Business Times: "World's largest maker of healthcare products Johnson & Johnson (NYSE.JNJ) announced, Thursday, a massive recall of two hip replacement implants after many patients complained they needed to undergo a second hip replacement as the company's implants had failed to work properly.
DePuy Orthopaedics, a unit of J&J, said it was recalling 93,000 units of two hip replacement products - the ASR XL Acetabular System, a total hip replacement system that is sold worldwide; and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, a partial hip replacement designed to preserve more bone, approved for sale only outside the United States.
The ASR XL Acetabular System is a concave metal piece used to provide a smooth lining for the acetabulum, the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvis. The ASR Hip Resurfacing System replaces the ball portion of the hip and has a metal stem that fits into the top of the hip bone, or femur.
According to Lorie Gawreluk, DePuy spokeswoman, majority of the hip replacements using ASR products had been successful. However, a small number of patients complained they needed a second hip replacement even after using ASR.
The ASR XL Acetabular System is a concave metal piece used to provide a smooth lining for the acetabulum, the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvis. The ASR Hip Resurfacing System replaces the ball portion of the hip and has a metal stem that fits into the top of the hip bone, or femur.
According to Lorie Gawreluk, DePuy spokeswoman, majority of the hip replacements using ASR products had been successful. However, a small number of patients complained they needed a second hip replacement even after using ASR.
