DePuy has been in the business of developing and manufacturing medical devices since the late 1800s. With over a century of history behind it, DePuy has become a world leader in producing such devices, earning nearly $5 billion in revenue in 2008 alone. Since being purchased by Johnson & Johnson in 1998, DePuy has been a major asset to its parent company. Recently, however, there have been rumblings about some of DePuy's hip products that have led to a shaking of the public's faith in the medical device manufacturer.

Things came to a head this past Fall when the DePuy ASR hip replacement system came under heavy fire for its abnormally high failure rate and a recall was issued by DePuy and Johnson & Johnson. Yet another of DePuy's hip products, the Pinnacle hip replacement system, has recently been the subject of numerous complaints. There are multiple alleged issues with the product, but the most common has been the propensity for the device to loosen from the bone.

Both the ASR and the Pinnacle are metal-on-metal hip replacement systems. Metal-on-metal systems are referred to as such because, rather than typical hip replacement systems that involve a synthetic plastic liner inside the socket part of the synthetic joint, these systems are equipped with a metal liner. These systems are designed to be more durable and last longer than others, which lessens the need for constant revision surgeries. Recent studies have indicated that the problems with metal-on-metal systems go beyond loosening. Particles may flake off and enter the blood stream of the patient, potentially leading to metal toxicity.

The symptoms of metal toxicity will vary from patient to patient, but will typically result in feelings of disorientation or depression in the sufferer. If you have experienced loosening of your device, pain in your hip, or any symptoms that could be related to metal toxicity, it is important that you immediately see a doctor. Your first priority must be ensuring your health, and the sooner you see a doctor, the more likely you will be able to once again enjoy your previous quality of life. Furthermore, an examination by a doctor will provide you with the necessary documentation to establish your claim against DePuy for the harm you suffered.

In order to bring a DePuy Pinnacle lawsuit, you will need assistance from a competent legal professional. If you have experienced premature loosening in your Pinnacle device and/or suffered from the effects of metal toxicity, then your next step should be contacting the Rottenstein Law Group. The attorneys at RLG have the resources to defend your rights against a big medical company like DePuy.