Johnson & Johnson faulty Hip implants: Indians left in the lurch

alpha1 · 5th December 2013, 12:45

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/b...ntenttarget=no

Came across this news yesterday.

Quote:

While a US litigant stands to gain an average compensation of $2,500,000 (Rs 15.6cr) under the plan besides legal fees, the compensation issue has not even arisen in India. The company has only offered to bear costs of testing and treatment for reasons related to the recall, including revision surgery.

Quote:

The Johnson and Johnson spokesperson refuted charges of "differential treatment". "In August 2010, at the time of the recall, DePuy informed the DCGI about the voluntary recall of the ASR hip system. We notified all joint replacement surgeons in India who had implanted the ASR hip system to contact their patients," said the spokesperson, adding that Puri Crawford, an independent claims processor, was appointed to assist ASR patients. "We are committed to addressing reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment for reasons related to the recall, including revision surgery if necessary."

1. Anyone you know affected?
2. Isn't this really pathetic? I remember arguing in another thread about how a company is ultimately only a profit making concern operating within the bounds of govt regulations ...

wildsdi5530 · 5th December 2013, 15:51

I am an orthopedic surgeon. I am proud to say that I am in the largest hip replacement unit in india. I am familiar with ASR implant and other metal on metal articulations. While I agree that there were issues with ASR design, MOM is the best articulation. You can check out Vicky Marlowe's web site for patient reviews. I can also refer you to karate master, ballet dancer, skiers, professional athletes who can attest the same.
This issue is being blown out of proportion and is causing undue worry to a lot of patients will well functioning ASRs.
The problem was that ASR had a very low margin of error. Thus surgical technique had to be perfect. 100%.
In our country, Torting has not yet caught on. I think that is a good thing. Look at the failure of the American health system. This is mainly due to Torting. Don't push medicine out of reach of the common man. If Depuy had to compensate every one who underwent ASR, then no one will be able to afford any joint replacement. Did you know Depuy provides subsidized implants for various govt. schemes.
Disclaimer: my only association with Depuy is that I use their components in some of my surgeries < 5%. I have no financial interest in the company.

5th December 2013, 15:51	#2
wildsdi5530 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,465 Thanked: 2,098 Times	Re: Johnson & Johnson faulty Hip implants: Indians left in the lurch I am an orthopedic surgeon. I am proud to say that I am in the largest hip replacement unit in india. I am familiar with ASR implant and other metal on metal articulations. While I agree that there were issues with ASR design, MOM is the best articulation. You can check out Vicky Marlowe's web site for patient reviews. I can also refer you to karate master, ballet dancer, skiers, professional athletes who can attest the same. This issue is being blown out of proportion and is causing undue worry to a lot of patients will well functioning ASRs. The problem was that ASR had a very low margin of error. Thus surgical technique had to be perfect. 100%. In our country, Torting has not yet caught on. I think that is a good thing. Look at the failure of the American health system. This is mainly due to Torting. Don't push medicine out of reach of the common man. If Depuy had to compensate every one who underwent ASR, then no one will be able to afford any joint replacement. Did you know Depuy provides subsidized implants for various govt. schemes. Disclaimer: my only association with Depuy is that I use their components in some of my surgeries < 5%. I have no financial interest in the company.
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