Hip replacement legal action set to take place against Johnson & Johnson’s orthopaedic wing DePuy

Published: 4th November, 2010
by TOM FOOT

LAWYERS have launched a multi-million-pound claim against a pharmaceutical giant after thousands of patients were told their hip replacements had to be reversed.

Clinical negligence specialists Leigh Day & Co, based in Islington, are set to take legal action against Johnson & Johnson’s orthopaedic wing DePuy. Compo­nents used to cushion and fix artificial joints – known as an “ASR device” – have been recalled in the US and Australia following concerns they had deposited samples of toxic metal into the blood. Leigh and Day are representing more than 100 patients in a group action against the company – 34 have already undergone painful revision surgery.

A DePuy spokes­woman said: “Additional testing and treatment may be necessary to ensure patients’ hip implants are functioning well. DePuy will cover the costs of testing and treatment including revision surgery.”