A 2012 report by AJ Smith et al. titled “Failure rates of stemmed metal-on-metal hip replacements: analysis of data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales.” published in the prominent medical journal The Lancet aimed to “assess if metal-on-metal bearing surfaces lead to increased implant survival compared with other bearing surfaces in stemmed [total hip replacement] and, additionally, if larger head sizes result in improved implant survival.”

Stating that “Some prostheses fail, particularly in younger patients, and need to be revised, most commonly for loosening secondary to wear or dislocation.” and that “Surgeons have tried to address these problems by implanting large diameter metal-on-metal bearing surfaces”, the aims of this report were well placed.

For data, this team analyzed findings of the National Joint Registry of England and Wales on 31,171 stemmed metal-on-metal hip replacements implanted between 2003 and 2011.  After review, the team found that “Metal-on-metal THR failed at high rates” and that “failure was related to head size, with larger heads failing earlier”.

Overall, “5 year revision rates in younger women were 6.1% … for 46 mm metal-on-metal compared with 1.6% … for 28 mm metal-on-polyethylene”, compared to revision rates for ceramic-on-ceramic hips in comparable groups at 3.3% at 5 years’ use.

As such, Smith et al. (2012) concluded that “Metal-on-metal stemmed articulations give poor implant survival compared with other options and should not be implanted” and “All patients with these bearings should be carefully monitored, particularly young women implanted with large diameter heads.”

“Since large diameter ceramic-on-ceramic bearings seem to do well we support their continued use.”

Due to the fact that DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., the manufacturer of the popular ASR / ASRXL metal-on-metal hip replacement systems (recalled in 2010), failed time and again to warn users of the high rate of failure associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed.

If you or a loved one used a metal-on-metal hip replacement, particularly one manufactured by DePuy, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.  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.

Call today and see how we can help!

(855)  452 – 5529

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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.