Metal-on-metal hip bearings are a relatively new option for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip resurfacing. They are preferred over other materials in that they aren’t as likely to wear down and won’t be subject to osteolysis. Metal-on-metal hip bearings also pose issues. One issue with these types of bearings is that they are prone to dissemination of metal particles and ions, which may result in measurable increase in cobalt and chromium ions in serum, urine, and red blood cells, and can lead to metallosis.
One study that was conducted to explore how metal-on-metal hip bearings affected metal ion concentrations in the blood is titled “Serum metal ion levels after second-generation metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.” This study was conducted by Takao Imanishi et al. and was published in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery in 2010. The reports states “We investigated serum levels of cobalt and chromium ions in patients with successfully implanted second-generation metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty”.
The study included 33 patients who underwent primary cementless total hip artroplasty, with the use of a 36-mm femoral head with a metal-on-metal articulation. Baseline blood samples were taken before the operation, and compared to blood ion concentrations of cobalt and chromium at three months and at one year after the operation.
The data showed that at three months, levels of both cobalt and chromium has increased significantly compared to preoperative levels. However, there was no significant difference between ion concentrations at 3 months and 1 year after the operation. This lead the researchers to conclude that “Patients with metal-on-metal THA had higher circulating levels of metal ions than before arthroplasty at 3 months, with no additional significant increases at 1 year in this study.”
Due to the fact that many people have undergone hip replacement surgery with metal-on-metal hip implants unaware of these dangerous side effects, a number of hip replacement lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used a metal-on-metal hip replacement, particularly the DePuy ASR™ and DePuy ASR™ XL hip replacement system, and suffered negative side effects, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
For more information, or a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of DePuy ASR hip replacement lawyers at the information provided below. We have the skills, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help!
(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.