September Sees More Than 150 New Cases Filed Against DePuy

The multidistrict litigation against the makers of an allegedly defective metal hip replacement has added more than 150 new cases in September alone.

Alleging that the implants are defective and can fail prematurely.

The new cases mean that the total number of suits filed against DePuy is now well over 5000. Lawsuits allege that the company's Pinnacle Hip Replacement System’s Ultramet was faulty and in some cases shed metal into the patient’s blood stream, potentially leading to metallosis, pain, swelling, and other complications. It’s also alleged that surgery was required to correct side effects in certain cases. The company’s ASR device was recalled in August 2010 following higher than expected failure rates in the first five years, and although Pinnacle was not part of this recall, complaints have continued to be lodged against DePuy, alleging that the implants are defective and can fail prematurely.

Cases filed as part of the federal MDL will now be stayed until bellwether trials have been held. These trials are expected to begin starting September 2014.

Allegedly, Pinnacle hip implants, along with other metal-on-metal hip implants manufactured by several companies, are defective and allow corroded metal to move into patients’ blood streams, leading to potentially harmful side effects. The release of these particles can lead to inflammation, pain, and trouble walking or standing for those fitted with the implants.

Stryker, Wright Conserve, Biomet and Zimmer have all previously faced legal action over reportedly defective hip implants, and the ongoing number of complaints recently prompted the Food and Drug Administration to seek applications to run an in-depth study of the safety and effectiveness of hip implants. Several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled specific models of implants.