In 2013, a team of researchers led by A. Reito published a paper in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research titled “High prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris in small-headed ASR™ hips.” with two ideas in mind. First, these researchers note that “There has been increasing concern of metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements regarding adverse reactions to metal debris” and second, sadly, “Information regarding prevalence and risk factors for these adverse reactions is scarce.” (hyperlink added)
As such, this study had two goals. First, these researchers aimed to determine “the prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris among patients who received small-headed (< 50 mm) Articular Surface Replacement (ASR™) prostheses in hip resurfacing procedures or the ASR™ XL prostheses during THAs at our institution” (the Coxa Hospital for Joint Replacements) and second, to determine “the risk factors for adverse reactions to metal debris and if they are different in hip resurfacing replacements compared with THAs”.
For clarity, a THA is a total hip arthroplasty, or hip replacement.
Of 482 hip replacements, this research team found that at follow-up, “62 hips (34%) have been revised.” It is important to note first that this rate for revision surgery is about 15 times higher than the estimated revision rate for ASR hips reported by DePuy, the manufacturer of the ASR/ASRXL models, which stated that at 5 years only about 1-2% would require revision (replacement) surgery.
Researchers write that “The majority (85%) were revised owing to causes related to adverse reactions to metal debris. The 7-year survivorship was 51% for the ASR™ hip replacement cohort and 38% for the ASR™ XL THA cohort, respectively” and found that “Reduced cup coverage was an independent risk factor for adverse reactions to metal debris in both cohorts.”
Accordingly, the Reito team concluded that “Adverse reactions to metal debris are common with small-headed ASR™ prostheses. Risk factors for these adverse reactions differ between hip resurfacing procedures and THAs.” and that “Our results suggest a more complicated failure mechanism in THAs than in hip resurfacing procedures.”
Due to the fact that many patients received DePuy ASR hip replacement implants unaware of the high risk for failure and adverse reactions to metal debris associated with these products, a number of DePuy ASR lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used a DePuy ASR hip implant and suffered one of these or another DePuy ASR side effect, 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.
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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.