Hip-makers sold faulty units a year after finding flaws

Patients given faulty hip replacements may have received a boost to their case for compensation following the revelation that the manufacturers continued to sell the defective devices a year after discovering their flaws.

In Ireland, 3,282 people were fitted with the faulty hip implants made by the DePuy company which is part of the international Johnson and Johnson conglomerate. Several hundred have already been told they need surgery to replace the implants while many others need regular tests to check if their implants are deteriorating.

While the hospitals and DePuy are taking care of medical costs for affected patients, a growing number are considering suing the company for pain, distress and inconvenience.