DePuy's negative track record of defective products continues with their Pinnacle hip implant, a metal-on metal hip replacement system which is failing in a large number of patients. DePuy recently suffered a recall of the ASR and ASR XL metal-on metal hip implants, and it appears that similar problems are cropping up in the Pinnacle, used in combination with a metal liner. Some believe that the defects of the ASR line are precisely the same as the Pinnacle.

The Pinnacle was designed for use with plastic, ceramic or metal liners; the FDA never approved the use of the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant with a metal liner, yet the metal liner, called the "Ultanet," is in use and is the source of the problem with the hip implants. A loophole in the FDA regulations allowed DePuy to sell the metal-on-metal Pinnacle combination without the benefit of clinical trials proving safety and effectiveness.

Soon after the Pinnacle hip implant/replacement had the market complaints of failures began to pour in to the DePuy headquarters, as this was a popular medical solution for those who suffered from a broken or fractured hip. Many complaints were filed because the metal liner separated from the cup, yet DePuy repeatedly closed all investigations of mechanical failure, under the premise that no corrective action was indicated or necessary. But the attempt by DePuy to suppress these complaints was thwarted as angry victims took their reports to the FDA.

The New York Times reported that all metal-on-metal replacement systems, including the Pinnacle and ASR lines by DePuy, carried with them the danger of inducing metal toxicity caused by the constant friction of the metal joint-and-cup releasing minute particles into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. Metal toxicity has been linked to pain, organ and tissue damage and autoimmune disorders.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against DePuy, and at this time the lawyers defending the company contend that the problems are connected to the orthopedic surgeons who do not place the implants within the narrow parameters of angles necessary for the ideal or simply adequate function of the device. The plaintiffs argue that if most surgeons are not able to apply the implants within the strict parameters, the problem lies with the device itself and the manufacturer, not those who attempt to implement their product.

Unfortunately, the FDA is moving too slowly to protect the public from this defective hip implant and has not recalled the DePuy Pinnacle, despite an overwhelming body of information that it is a harmful product.

If you or someone you care about has been the victim of injury or harm from a DePuy Pinnacle hip implant, contact a defective product lawyer specializing in defective medical products to assess your claim. Strong evidence exists that a recall of this faulty hip implant is imminent and filing a claim soon can help you reclaim the damages due to you from your experiences, help prevent others from experiencing the same harm and initiate a long-overdue FDA recall of the Pinnacle by DePuy.