Survival rates for hip implants have not always been guaranteed. Many times, hip implants fail from the weight they are supporting and correctional surgery may be required. Better technologies have helped improve some of the problems seen with old school hip implants and the implants greater reliability and life expectancy has given users a better quality of life. Newer models are designed in a way that makes them more durable and less likely to leak metal particles into the bloodstream. However, the medical community is not sure what long term health problems may arise from increased levels of metal in the blood and in depth studies are needed on this subject.
Author S.S. Jameson, from the University Hospital of North Tees in England worked on a study titled “Articular Surface Replacement of the Hip: A Prospective Single surgeon Series”. The study used 192 patients with a mean age of 56 years old and documented the success or complications they encountered with their implants. Overall improvement of the implant was noted at around the 2 year mark. Complications that patients experienced were narrowing of the femoral neck of the implant, fractures of the femoral neck, total collapse of the femoral neck, and metal wear debris leaking into the bloodstream. Seven percent of the time there were problems with the implant that required corrective surgery or some kind of corrective steps.
S.S. Jameson is quoted saying “Superficial wound infection occurred in eight hips and was successfully managed with antibiotics.” Surgical repair partnered with antibiotics were used to properly manage complications seen from the operation. There were no implants that got removed because of infection and implants with mechanical failure had no obvious signs of trauma.
Due to the fact that a number of men and women have used metal-on-metal hip replacement systems, particularly those manufactured by DePuy like the recently-recalled ASR hip replacement, unaware of the risks associated with their use, a number of DePuy ASR hip replacement lawsuits have been filed.
If you used a DePuy hip replacement system, or another metal-on-metal hip, and you suffered complications as a result, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of DePuy ASR hip replacement lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills 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.