A 2013 article published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery titled “Relationship of Plasma Metal Ions and Clinical and Imaging Findings in Patients with ASR XL Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Replacements.” evaluated the health outcomes of 156 consecutive ASR total hip replacement patients in a particular clinic and studied the plasma metal ion levels of those patients.
In recent years, a number of studies have demonstrated that metal ions can wear off metal-on-metal hip replacement systems and enter the blood, potentially causing a number of health problems including metallosis, kidney and liver problems, and increased risk for cancer mortality.
Of the 156 patients, “Eighty patients were asymptomatic, and seventy-six patients were symptomatic. The median cobalt level was 1.8 ppb, and the median chromium level was 1.0 ppb (at or below measurement threshold). Pseudotumors that could be detected on magnetic resonance imaging were seen in 69% (107) of 156 patients, and radiographic osteolysis was evident in 7% (eleven patients).”
Further, “An abnormal cobalt level was significantly associated with the presence of periprosthetic lucency on radiographs and pseudotumor on magnetic resonance imaging (p ≤ 0.05). An abnormal chromium level showed a similar pattern, but the relationships did not reach significance. Both abnormal plasma cobalt and chromium levels were associated with larger sizes of pseudotumor when present”.
In conclusion, the authors state that “Metal ion analysis should be used in conjunction with clinical and imaging evaluation and not as a sole indirect screening test when evaluating patients following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.”
Due to the fact that many people have entered into metal-on-metal hip implantation unaware of the risks associated with these products, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used a metal-on-metal hip replacement and suffered premature device failure, elevated plasma ion levels, or another ASR complication, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For 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 compassion 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.