In a 2012 study appearing in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research titled “Pseudotumors are common in well-positioned low-wearing metal-on-metal hips.”, AK Matthies et al. write “Pseudotumors are sterile inflammatory lesions found in the soft tissues surrounding metal-on-metal (MOM) and metal-on-polyethylene hip arthroplasties. In patients with MOM hip arthroplasties, pseudotumors are thought to represent an adverse reaction to metal wear debris. However, the pathogenesis of these lesions remains unclear. Currently, there is inconsistent evidence regarding the influence of adverse cup position and increased wear in the formation of pseudotumors.”
As such, this team set out to determine “whether pseudotumor formation was associated with (1) adverse cup position, (2) raised metal ion levels, and (3) increased wear rates of the retrieved components.”
Studying 105 patients who used metal-on-metal hip replacement, the team compared “acetabular orientation, metal ion levels before revision, and component wear rates between patients with (n = 72) and without (n = 33) pseudotumors, according to findings on metal artifact reduction sequence MRI.”
After statistical analysis, Matthies et al. (2012) found that “The proportion of patients demonstrating evidence of a pseudotumor in well-positioned hips was similar to those with adverse cup positions (67% and 66%, respectively).”
Concluding that “Pseudotumors were not associated with increased wear or metal ion levels, suggesting patient susceptibility is likely to be more important,” this paper can be used in a metal-on-metal hip replacement lawsuit to demonstrate to court that the manufacturers of these devices knew, or should have known, of the dangers associated with metal-on-metal hips.
One such company is DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., the manufacturer of the ASR and ASR XL hip replacements recalled in 2010. As such, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used a DePuy ASR and suffered premature device failure, pseudotumors, or another ASR complication, you too may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of ASR lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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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.