What’s Wrong with the DePuy Hip Replacement
The main problem of the DePuy ASR hip replacement is its defective design. The acetabular component of the implant (the cup) does not provide for enough arc of coverage for the femoral head (the ball) to move freely during normal hip movements. Consequently, a great amount of metal debris is released because of the contact between the cup and the ball. The metal particles are released into the blood stream and the immune system’s defense mechanisms, such as white blood cells, are not able to get rid of so many foreign particles. Many patients have inflammatory reactions, metallosis, bone or tissue loss, pseudotumors, or high levels of metal ions in their blood system. It is also uncertain what effect the high metal ion concentration will have in a patient’s body years after the initial implant.
Recommendations for Patients
Because of all the problems DePuy hip replacement recipients are encountering, it is recommended that ASR recipients visit with their doctors every year for at least five years after the implant, even if they do not have any symptoms or pain. Patients should consult with their doctor and have a blood test, as well as an MRI or x-rays done. A high level of metal ion concentration is dangerous for the body and a patient might need to replace the ASR, a metal-on-metal implant, with another hip prosthesis. The medical images will show if the implant is still functioning properly, if there is any loosening, or bone damage. A revision surgery might also be necessary if the cup is loose or if there is a lot of damage to the bone, muscles or tissue around the implant area.
Revision surgeries are also more complicated and pose a greater risk of infection for the patient. If there has been a lot of damage to the implant area, the new hip prosthesis will be more challenging to insert and might dislocate if there is not enough bone to support it. If you do require a revision surgery, it is extremely important to take the appropriate measures to preserve the explant because it will be the main evidence in your claim against DePuy Orthopaedics. Borri Law Offices works with the pathology and/or risk management offices of our clients’ hospitals and with a forensic laboratory specializing in the preservation of DePuy hip replacement explants to ensure the preservation of the explant. Our office has experience with communicating and working with the appropriate administrators to make sure of the preservation of the explant, and we can help to ensure the preservation of your explant too.
