A joint status conference was held today in New Jersey by Judge David Katz who is presiding over the consolidated federal court MDL No. 1:10-md-02197 as established pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1407 and Judge Brian Martinotti who is presiding over the New Jersey consolidated state court litigation involving the DePuy ASR hip implants.  There was a general discussion regarding the status of the MDL with the judges’ emphasis on cooperation between the state and federal courts and attorneys.  Other topics that were addressed included the Explant Preservation Protocol, Preliminary Disclosure Form/Plaintiff Fact Sheet, a discovery update and potential future hearing dates.