‘Poster lady’ for hip implant to sue manufacturers

Penny Brown is joining group action by more than 300 UK patients against DePuy – part of Johnson & Johnson – after doctors said she would need further surgery because the implant had worn prematurely.

The Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) was available to patients on the NHS and globally but was withdrawn last year in a worldwide recall.

Patients have complained of a range of symptoms, including pain, while doctors have noticed high revision rates following operations.

Thousands of patients in countries worldwide are taking class action suits against DePuy.

Ms Brown, 51, who lives near Bath, agreed to advertise the ASR after undergoing an operation in 2004 to relieve her from constant pain caused by arthritis.

She said: “I was advised to have the ASR resurfacing procedure rather than a total hip replacement on the basis that it would last much longer, be safer and reduce the likelihood of further surgery during my lifetime.”

Initially, ASR transformed her life so much so that she agreed to become DePuy’s “poster lady”.

“I was included in all the promotional literature and went on stage to give a live interview on my personal story as a patient and how the ASR had transformed my life,” she said. “I was DePuy’s patient brand and my image was used extensively around the world over a four-year period between 2004 and 2008. I even counselled patients about having ASR components implanted.”

But in 2009, Ms Brown, who developed osteoarthritis in both hips in her early 40s, started to experience groin pain.

By March this year, she also had a “clunking” sensation when she walked.

The pain gradually got worse and she was told she must undergo further surgery due to the ASR system wearing out prematurely.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It seemed so ironic that having promoted the product I was now a victim of the ASR.

“I was a successful businesswoman at the top of my profession and never had any significant periods of time off work due to illness.

“Following the revision surgery to remove the ASR, I have been rendered bed-bound for at least six weeks and have had to give up my job.

“My life has been devastated and I not only feel let down personally but also feel guilty that I might have encouraged others to have the ASR implanted.”

A spokeswoman for DePuy said: “DePuy is very appreciative that Penny Brown shared her experience as a DePuy hip resurfacing patient after her surgery. Our top priority is to provide Ms Brown and all ASR patients with the information and support they need.”