In a 2011 article by NP Hailer et al. titled “Elevation of circulating HLA DR(+) CD8(+) T-cells and correlation with chromium and cobalt concentrations 6 years after metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.” published in the medical journal Acta Orthopaedica, researchers state “Following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty (THA), immunological reactions including changes in lymphocyte populations, aseptic loosening, and lymphocytic pseudotumors occur” and hypothesized “that changes in lymphocyte subpopulations would be associated with elevated metal ion concentrations.”

Studying 85 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty – 41 patients receiving metal-on-metal implants and 44 using metal-on-polyethylene implants, researchers evaluated blood levels of chromium and cobalt, and “Leukocyte subpopulations and immunoglobulins in patient blood were measured using standard laboratory methods.”

After analysis, authors of this paper found that “Patients with a metal-on-metal hip had higher serum concentrations of chromium … and cobalt … than those with metal-on-polyethylene.”  Further, indicators of pseudotumors (elevated HLA DR(+), CD8 T-cell counts) were “higher in the metal-on-metal group” and “correlated positively with chromium and cobalt concentrations in patient blood”.

As such, Hailer et al. (2011) concluded that “immunological alterations appear to be associated with increased cobalt and chromium concentrations” and state “It is tempting to speculate that HLA DR(+) CD8(+) T-cells are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions, implant loosening, and lymphocytic pseudotumors.”

Due to the fact that DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., the manufacturer of the popular (and recently-recalled) ASR metal-on-metal hip replacement systems failed time and again to warn users of these risks, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed.

If you or a loved one used a DePuy ASR hip replacement and suffered premature device failure, or one of these or other side effects 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 lawyers at the information provided below.  We have the compassion, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve.

(855)  452 – 5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

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.