Firm behind faulty hips criticised over compensation conditions

A MAJOR US company which produced faulty artificial hips given to more than 93,000 people worldwide, including 3,500 Irish patients, has been heavily criticised after it insisted any refunds or covered repair surgery costs are dependent on the equipment being returned to the firm.

Less than a fortnight after DePuy Orthopaedics issued a worldwide recall of two of its most popular products, the company has told patients fitted with the ASR XL Acetabluar hip implant and ASR hip re-surfacing system equipment they will not receive any compensation unless they adhere to the conditions. Twelve Irish patients are believed to be considering taking legal action against the firm.

The multinational company has confirmed the faulty device, medical records and a signed consent form must be returned before the cost of treatment is re-imbursed to people who received the implants, 3,516 of whom are in Ireland.