A 2013 article published in Hip International titled “Blood levels of cobalt and chromium are inversely correlated to head size after metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty.” by a team of researchers led by MC Parry from the UK aimed to “assess the effect of head size, implant design and component positioning on metal production by resurfacing arthroplasties.”
Stating that “Resurfacing arthroplasty has fallen out of favour in recent years due to unfavourable survivorship in joint registries and alarming reports of soft tissue reactions around metal on metal prostheses”, the team “measured whole blood cobalt and chromium and component position in matched populations implanted with two designs of resurfacing arthroplasty over a two-year period.”
While “both implants resulted in a significant increase in blood metal levels”, the DePuy “ASR design generated significantly higher metal levels”.
Finding that smaller metal hip replacement components was correlated with an increase in blood metal ion levels, the team concluded that “As increased metal generation has been correlated to wear and therefore failure, caution must be used on implantation of smaller components and indeed, in those who require smaller components, alternative bearing materials should be considered.”
Because DePuy failed time and again to notify users of the risk for metallosis and elevated blood metal ion levels associated with the ASR and ASRXL metal hip replacement systems, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used a DePuy ASR hip replacement system and suffered elevated blood metal ion levels as a result, contact our team of DePuy ASR lawyers at the information provided below. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation from the manufacturer for your undue injuries.
For a free, no-obligation DePuy ASR lawsuit consultation, call or e-mail our team at your convenience. 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.