A 2011 article by D.H. Williams et al. published in that year’s December edition of Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (US) titled “Prevalence of pseudotumor in asymptomatic patients after metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.” sheds further important insight into the tendency for metal-on-metal hip replacements to release dangerous metal ions into the bloodstream.
One result of elevated metal ion levels in the blood can be pseudotumors. The team writes “The primary purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of pseudotumor formation in asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal total hip replacement after a minimum duration of follow-up of two years. A secondary purpose was to assess whether a correlation exists between elevated serum metal ion levels and pseudotumor formation.”
Patients evaluated in this study included “thirty-one asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty, twenty-four asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty, and twenty asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty.”
Results showed that 32% of metal-on-metal hip replacement patients “had a solid or cystic mass, with another three patients (10%) having a substantial fluid collection.” Only 25% of hip resurfacing patients faced such ailments. And, “Pseudotumor formation was significantly more frequent in the metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty group compared with the metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty group.”
As such, Williams et al. (2011) concluded that “We recommend high-resolution ultrasound surveillance of all asymptomatic patients with a metal-on-metal implant that is known to result in high serum metal ion levels. Once a metal-on-metal implant is known to be associated with high serum metal ions, the measurement of ion levels does not helpfully contribute to surveillance.”
Because DePuy, the manufacturer of many metal-on-metal hip replacement systems such as the recently-recalled ASR™ and DePuy ASR™ XL models, has failed time and time again to warn of these potential side effects, a number of ASR lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used a metal-on-metal hip replacement such as the ASR, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, feel free to contact our team of DePuy 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.
(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.