Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is no stranger to controversy. From being embroiled in massive litigation in DePuy ASR artificial hips, Pinnacle litigation, and in the transvaginal mesh litigation with its Ethicon Gynecare products to its multiple legal troubles and fines associated with the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal, some things do not change for J&J – they continually garner negative press due to multiple, defective medical devices.
Today, the FDA and DePuy Orthopedics notified healthcare professionals of a class 1 recall of the LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary Component. The recall was issued, because there a potential for fracture of the dovetail, when exposed to normal physiologic loads while walking. A Class I recall is the most serious type of recall. Class I recalls are issued in situations where there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
The LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary component was intended for replacement of the mid-shaft portion of the femur, top (proximal), bottom (distal) and/or total femur, and top (proximal) tibia, especially in cases that require extensive resection (i.e. tumors, trauma, infections). If the part fracture occurs, it may lead to additional pain, infection, loss of function, loss of limb, neurovascular injury or need for revision surgery. Patients greater than 200 pounds and/or those with high levels of activity are at higher risk of fracture.
Click here to read the full FDA recall: DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc – LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary Component
On July 11, 2013, DePuy issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall informing DePuy distributors, hospitals and surgeons of the problem and to immediately stop distributing or using the recalled lots. DePuy will be writing a patient letter to assist surgeons with discussing the risks of the implant fracture and the method for detecting implant failure with their patients. DePuy is not recommending revision or additional follow-up in the absence of symptoms of patients with this implanted device. Like the DePuy ASR, the DePuy Pinnacle, and Ethicon Gynecare transvaginal mesh, thousands of people will be forced to live with the cloud of defective products failing within them while J&J makes no effort to effectively help.
At the Brandi Law Firm, we help people throughout the country who have been harmed because of a defective drug or medical device such as Actos, Fosamax, DePuy, and Vaginal Mesh. Instead of treating all victims of defective drugs and medical devices the same we take a different, more personalized approach with a team of experienced defective drug attorneys and paralegals working for every client. Our goal is to provide you with information about your legal options and to help you pursue compensation and holding these drug companies responsible for their dangerous actions. Please contact the Brandi Law Firm today (1-800-481-1615 or email us) to talk with the experienced San Francisco defective drug attorneys.