Personal Injury Law

Metallosis Linked DePuy ASR Hip Implants

By M. Brandon Smith

DePuy Hip Implants Linked to Metallosis
Hip implants aren't supposed to create additional health problems for patients. But faulty DePuy ASR hip implants, have done just that. The DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System, which were part of a nationwide recall in August of 2010, are causing metallosis in a number of patients. The recall came after several years of complaints from patients with those versions of the hip implants. In fact, beginning in 2008, the FDA received about 400 complaints from patients in the US who have received the ASR hip implants.

Dangers Associated With Metallosis
According to the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, metallosis is aseptic fibrosis, local necrosis or loosening of a device secondary to metallic corrosion and release of wear debris. Metallosis occurs when the metal-on-metal movement of the hip implant causes friction and releases potentially dangerous levels of chromium and cobalt ions into the body. This condition can result in nerve damage and rashes. It can also require the need for corrective surgery. Recent reports have found metallosis as a factor in the failure of nine total hip replacements where they were made of titanium-based alloy and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Metallosis is not something that should be taken lightly. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery's study concluded that from a total joint prosthesis, wear debris can have an interface between titanium alloy and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. That can produce clinical symptoms which made revision surgery necessary three years after the first joint surgery.

Patients Recourse
The good news is that patients suffering from metallosis do have recourse for their injuries. The recall has already caused many plaintiffs to petition for consolidation of these cases as a Multi-District Litigation 197. The consolidation is under consideration by an MDL panel now and is expected to be formed later this month.

Thousands of consumers have suffered the severe the severe effects of the faulty DePuy ASR hip implants. These patients thought they were getting healthier when they underwent hip replacement surgery. Instead they not only failed to see their health improve, it actually got worse. It is clear that these patients deserve compensation in their attempt to recover from the significant injuries they have suffered as a result of the faulty implants. For the reason, the hip implant lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith continue to investigate and file lawsuits on the defecetive ASR hip implant. If you or a loved one has been affected, call now for a free consulation as there is a lot of new information that you need to be made aware of for these serious claims.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on November 19, 2010 (boomark / email).