While a DePuy Pinnacle recall has not been issued by either DePuy Orthopaedics or its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, the growing numbers of similar complaints seem to indicate a recall may be possible. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received over 1,300 complaints associated with the Pinnacle hip replacement with the majority of these focusing on the premature loosening of the device from the bone, which leads to device failure. However, since its been almost a year since two other hip replacements made by DePuy were removed from the market, a possible
"statute of limitations could have serious implications for Pinnacle recipients".
In the majority of patients, premature loosening of the device where the metal ball fits in the metal lined cup of the replacement joint causes severe pain. A case was filed last November against DePuy and Johnson & Johnson by one plaintiff in the United States District Court in California. The complaint brings allegations that loosening of the shaft where the ball fits into the cup has led the patient to suffer severe nerve pain. Consequently, the patient then developed an abnormal gait, requiring her to have a corrective procedure of her hip.Reports indicate that one out of eight patients will need to have corrective surgery within five years after the initial hip replacement procedure.
More recipients of defective Pinnacle devices are coming forward with corresponding complaints of pain most likely attributed to premature loosening of the hip replacement. Most of these patients describe the pain as debilitating due to its severity and chronic nature. The pain arises when doing simple tasks such as leaning forward, standing up, sitting down, and straightening the legs.
Reports of the device failing due to premature loosening indicate DePuys negligence in establishing that the product was durable enough to meet industry standards, making a case for a DePuy Pinnacle recall. Most major companies, including DePuy Orthopaedics, are more concerned with making a profit than ensuring the safety of their products.As a result, people get hurt, and the companies must take responsibility for their negligence. Allegations claim that the Pinnacle device is unsafe and has not been tested, leading to the case being filed in the United States District Court for the State of New Jersey.
DePuy has set aside as much as $1 billion in the past for those suffering from their defective devices. You can learn more about the cases and updates on the possible issuance of a
"DePuy Pinnacle Recall" in some sites related to the topic.
