DePuy ASR Hip – Complications
Recalled in August 2010, the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System total hip replacement and ASR Hip Resurfacing System have been used in more than 93,000 hip replacement surgeries worldwide since they were first used in 2003.
Common DePuy ASR Hip Complications:
- Prolonged swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Failure of the implant to remain in place
- Loosening of the implant from the bone
- Bone fracturing around replacement site
- Dislocation of implant causing pain and dysfunction
- Metallosis
DePuy ASR (Articular Surface Replacement) Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System total hip replacement were recalled in August 2010 after the devices were associated with a high failure rate. Approximately one in eight patients required a second hip replacement within five years.
Many recipients of the defective DePuy hip implants have filed lawsuits against DePuy to seek compensation for medical bills and additional expenses associated with the faulty hip devices. All recipients of defective DePuy implants are entitled to legal compensation for their current and future health issues. For additional information about your legal options, please call 1-800-452-0949 or fill out the form below.
The loosening of the hip implant within the body is a side effect associated with the hip devices which may result in limping and difficulty walking. This often causes the patient to transfer too much weight to the other hip or joints, resulting in additional pain and possible failure of the joint or bone. Should a patient require additional hip replacement surgeries, each additional surgery typically has a shorter life span than the previous replacement surgery.
Additionally, the DePuy ASR devices are associated with “metallosis,” a serious condition characterized by rashes and possible nerve damage. This condition may occur when the metal-on-metal movement of the implant causes friction and releases high levels of potentially dangerous cobalt and chromium ions into the body.
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Studies found that five years after hip replacement surgery, 13 percent of patients with an ASR XL system and 12 percent of patients with the ASR resurfacing system required a hip replacement surgery.
The joint registries of the United Kingdom/Wales and Australia conducted an evaluation of patient outcomes after implantation with a metal-on-metal device, and they discovered that, in general, patients who receive these types of hip implants are at an increased risk for revision surgery in comparison to patients who receive devices made with a different combination of materials.
These registries also found that patients who receive metal-on-metal total hip replacements using larger replacement head components for the damaged head of the thigh bone are at a greater risk of revision surgery than patients who receive smaller replacement components, regardless of the type of material used to make the component. The registry analysis showed that replacement head components measuring 28 millimeters or less had a decreased risk for revision surgery, while replacement head components measuring 40 millimeters or more had the greatest risk.
Age of the patient and the size of the replacement head component is another combination of factors that affects patient outcome. Both registries reported that a 65-year-old patient who receives a large replacement head component is at a greater risk of revision surgery than a similar patient who receives a smaller component.
It is important for patients to speak with a lawyer about legal options before signing any documents provided by DePuy or Johnson & Johnson. If you wish to learn more about your legal options, please fill out the form on this page or call 1-800-471-8602.
Lawsuits about ASR Hip Replacement Systems
Patients have filed DePuy hip Implant lawsuits for a variety of reasons, including a flawed design that created medical complications and early failure rate. These reasons have been supported by clinical evidence and also by expert opinion.
Some orthopedic specialists believe the devices have a design flaw, making it hard to implant them properly. DePuy has denied these allegations, saying there are no safety issues with the products.
Thomas P. Schmalzried, M.D., co-developer of the ASR systems, said he had used the device successfully. However, he was quoted in an interview acknowledging that he and DePuy management realized sometime from 2008 to 2010 that the ASR might be more difficult to implant properly than other devices on the market.
Stephen Graves, M.D., director of the joint registry in Australia, said a history of data shows that the ASR systems have failed early at a significantly higher rate than some metal-on-metal devices made by other manufacturers.
