Johnson & Johnson Metal Hip Replacement To Be Pulled

After thousands of cases were filed against Johnson & Johnson following allegations that their metal-on-metal hip implants and replacements corroded and lead to patient injury, the company announced Thursday that they will cease the selling and distribution of related products.

The FDA has already taken action after global sales of metal-on-metal devices plummeted following widely reported problems and lawsuits.

The affected devices – the Ultamet and Complete implants – have been available since August 31, but will now be pulled due to, among other things, slow sales. The subsidiary responsible for the hip implants, DePuy Orthopedics Inc., is currently facing legal action over its ARS hip implants and the metal-on-metal components that are reported to fail and cause infection, metallosis, and even death. The devices to be discontinued are metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal implants. DePuy will continue to sell plastic and ceramic lined models.

The FDA has already taken action after global sales of metal-on-metal devices plummeted following widely reported problems and lawsuits. In January, they suggested they will start asking makers to prove their devices are safe before they can continue selling them – another reason J&J have decided to simply end production.

“Ultamet and Complete are backed by clinical data showing they are safe and effective options for patients who are candidates for hip replacement.” said a statement released by the company on Thursday. “DePuy made the decision to discontinue these products because of low clinician use of Ultamet and Complete, the availability of other options that meet the clinical needs of patients and proposed changes in FDA regulation of the entire class of metal-on-metal products, which includes Ultamet.” Nevertheless, lawsuits continue as more evidence is gathered by lawyers that the metal corrosion has injured those fitted with the devices. Ultamet and Complete’s already low rate of use means the removal of these products – which is not, the company stressed, a recall – may have limited impact on the company’s finances for now.