A NUMBER OF IRISH patients who have had hip replacement surgery may have to go back under the knife as a company recalls a hip device.

The recall affects the DePuy ASR AX acetabular system and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing Platform, both of which are distributed by PEI.

The company urges patients to contact their orthopaedic surgeon or hospital to check if the device was used in their surgery.

DePuy has placed a factsheet about the recall on their website. It says “more people than expected who received the ASR Hip System experienced pain and other symptoms that led to a second hip replacement surgery.”

The company recommends that hip replacement patients contact their surgeon if they experience any discomfort post-surgery:

If you are experiencing symptoms of pain or discomfort, regardless of the hip system used, you should contact your orthopaedic surgeon for an evaluation.

DePuy also says it will provide information on reimbusement for medical appointments arising from the recall on its helpline. Callers outside of the US are recommended to ask the operator to make a collect call to +1 813-287-1651.

The line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to DePuy.