A 2011 article by YM Kwon et al. titled “‘Asymptomatic pseudotumors after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty: prevalence and metal ion study.” published in The Journal of Arthroplasty cites that “Symptomatic abnormal periprosthetic soft-tissue reactions (“pseudotumors”) have been reported after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MoMHRA).”
Accordingly, the aims of this study were twofold: “(1) to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic pseudotumors after MoMHRA and (2) to measure metal ion levels in these patients.” And to that end, researchers studied 201 metal-on-metal hip replacements (in 158 patients) over a period of time (average follow-up length just over 5 years) using ultrasound and MRI to see the implanted hips, and “serum/hip aspirate cobalt and chromium measurements” to determine metal ion levels in the blood.
After analyzing their data, Kwon et al. (2011) found that “Pseudotumors found in 7 patients (4%) were associated with significantly higher cobalt and chromium levels and inferior functional scores” and “Elevated levels of cobalt and chromium ions suggest that pseudotumors are associated with increased wear generated from metal-on-metal articulations.” (emphasis added)
Concluding, researchers wrote “Clinicians need to be aware of pseudotumors as a differential diagnosis during clinical evaluation of MoMHRA patients, and further imaging such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.”
Sadly, the manufacturer of the ASR / ASR XL metal-on-metal hip replacement systems, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., failed time and again to adequately warn users of this risk. As such, many DePuy ASR lawsuits are currently being filed. If you or a loved one used a DePuy metal-on-metal hip replacement and suffered these or other negative side effects as a result, you too may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your undue injury.
For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of DePuy ASR hip replacement lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, 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.