DePuy is an orthopedics company that manufactures metal-on-metal articulation systems for hip replacement procedures. Their product offers low wear and high stability in order to reduce instances of revision surgery. Revision surgery can be very dangerous; statistically there is a 2.6% risk of death for senior citizens undergoing revision surgery.
Metal-on-metal bearings for hip replacements have a few advantages. One is that larger diameter bearings are more stable. Higher stability has reduced the need for revision, as instability is the most common reason for revision surgery accounting for 22.5% of revisions. Another advantage of this new technology is that the wear rate is very low relative to previous models. Mechanical loosening is the second most common cause of revision procedures accounting for 19.7% of re-intervention surgeries. Dislocations are most common in women and patients over 70 years old. Autopsies have revealed that hips with metal-on-metal bearings that functioned well for 30 years showed little wear.
Metal-on-metal bearings have been associated with other risks as well. There is a risk of cancer development, however this is not any greater than that associated with metal-on-polyethylene bearings. Different prosthesis models at different angles have shown predisposition to wear and metal particle formation. Additionally, metal sensitivity may be an issue when there is an immune response that occurs with or without wear of the device. At times this can lead to the development of pseudotumors, which is a cyst or some kind of mass. However, several studies have been conducted and in all of the hip resurfacings studied, there were no revisions performed due to metal reactivity.
There is no single hip replacement model that adequately treats all patients. Selection of the proper hip prosthetic must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Because DePuy had time and again failed to warn users of these risks, many lawsuits are currently being filed against the company. If you or a loved one used a DePuy prosthetic and suffered negative side effects, you too may be entitled to significant compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of DePuy lawyers at the information provided below. We have the skills, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our DePuy ASR™ / ASR™ XL Hip Replacement Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip replacements.