For those that have gone through hip replacement surgery, it has come as a shock that some of the biggest names in the implant business have been included in a recent hip replacement recall. This recall has included more than 90,000 devices; leaving many to wonder if they have wound up with one of the faulty implants.

The manufacturers involved in the current recall are DePuy Orthopaedics, Zimmer, and Stryker. DePuy, Johnson and Johnson’s orthopedic subsidiary, announced at the end of August that they were recalling the ASR XL Acetabular System and that they would be assisting health care providers as well as patients who have the implant by supplying needed information, picking up the costs for visits to their doctors, any necessary tests, and the coverage of associated surgeries.

Patients who have the DePuy hip replacement, or more specifically the ASR XL Acetabular System, the Zimmer Durom Cup, the Stryker Trident PSL, or the Stryker Trident Hemispherical Acetabular Cup may not realize that they have these implants; however, there are some signs that hip replacement patients should be on the lookout for. These include: popping, clicking, swelling, loosening or dislocation of the implant, severe and constant pain, and hip fracture.

For hip replacement patients that are experiencing any of the above mentioned signs, or for those who have loved ones that have had a hip replacement and are now experiencing these signs, it is highly suggested that you get in touch with a hip attorney who has had previous experience with the failure of medical devices, in addition to your (or your loved one’s) physician.

With the assistance of a physician and a seasoned attorney, any relevant evidence that proves the failure of the hip replacement system can be preserved. This allows the patient to participate in action against the manufacturing company, whether that is DePuy, Zimmer, Stryker, or another manufacturer, which gives the patient the opportunity to recoup the costs that are associated with the failed implant, as well as the possibility of obtaining additional monetary compensation for pain and suffering.

One thing that patients should be aware of is time. The law only allows a certain amount of time for affected individuals to act. This is why it is imperative that patients experiencing issues or injuries due to their hip device do not delay.