DePuy ASR Hip Contamination
The DePuy ASR (Articular Surface Replacement) Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System total hip replacement have recently been linked to the build-up of toxic metal particles in the joints, muscles and body tissues. In some patients, this accumulation of metallic debris can lead to serious allergic reactions, inflammation and complications involving bone, muscle and nerve damage.
How do DePuy ASR implants cause metal to accumulate in the body?
DePuy implants are composed of metal components that move and rub against each other in an attempt to mimic the natural motions of the hip. This rubbing movement causes the implants to discharge microscopic metal particles which can build up over time. In some patients with high levels of metallic debris, reactions to the metal particles cause fluid to accumulate in the joint and nearby muscles, which can cause a number of serious problems.
Because the DePuy ASR Hip Replacement system has been recalled all recipients of the DePuy ASR Hip Implant are entitled to legal compensation for their current and future health issues related to the ASR devices. For additional information about your legal options, please call 1-800-452-0949 or fill out the form on this page.
What complications are associated with metal debris from DePuy ASR implants?
The accumulation of metal from a DePuy implant can cause pain and swelling around the joint, as well as more serious complications such as bone destruction and soft-tissue damage. Patients who experience dangerous amounts of metal accumulation because of a DePuy hip implant may have to undergo a second painful hip replacement surgery.
While DePuy states that metal debris does not cause problems for most patients, a recent study conducted by English researchers showed that 3.4 percent of patients from a pool of 660 DePuy metal-on-metal implant recipients experienced adverse reactions due to metallic particles. The researchers also studied a group of 155 patients who received a competitor’s resurfacing system and found that these patients did not experience similar problems.
Replacement procedures undertaken because of excessive metal accumulation are often much more complex than replacement procedures performed because of a more common problem such as dislocation. Experts warn that the long-term effects of metal accumulation have not yet been realized in their entirety. In the June 2010 issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty, three leading doctors argued that metal hip implants “do not show any clinical advantage,” but rather “are producing a new series of complications.”
The surgeon has to reconstruct the hip bone because of bone loss resulting from the original implant. In cases of severe bone loss, the surgeon will use a bone graft and/or metallic plates, cages and screws to complete the work.
The complexity of revision surgery increases the chances of post-operative complications, such as:
- Infection, bleeding and trauma to nerves or blood vessels.
- Improper positioning or loosening of the new components.
- Movement of the new components because of poor bone quality or inability to adhere to the bone.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs because of trauma to the blood vessels during surgery and patient immobility after surgery.
- Dislocation of a hip implant because of the extensive dissection necessary to remove the failed device and the compromised quality of the surrounding soft tissues because of so many surgeries.
- Pre-existing medical conditions that worsen.
