Depuy ASR Hip Replacement Failure Signs

On August 26, 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., announced a formal product recall of its defective hip replacement devices that were implanted in patients between 2005 and 2009. DePuy has sold nearly 93,000 hip replacement devices and studies show that around 12 percent of those who received the implants need corrective procedures within five years. Many patients who received the implant began experiencing negative side effects. Hundreds of people reported failure and loosening of the device. If you or a loved one has had a hip replacement using the DePuy ASR implant and suffered some of the symptoms described here, you should contact a DePuy recall attorney as soon as possible. At The Heller Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can assist you in determining if your injuries are the result of this defective product and if you are entitled to compensation for your damages.

Why Has the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Cup Failed?

It has been reported that the DePuy ASR cup failure rate is about twice the industry average. DePuy ASR defect complaints reveal a high failure rate within only a few years of implantation. Why has this occurred?

The DePuy ASR System is a metal-on-metal hip replacement prosthetic. The acetabular cup rests on and moves directly against the femoral head. Both parts of the device are made of metal (primarily chromium and cobalt). After being used for short periods of time, the rubbing of metal-on-metal causes the cobalt and chrome ions to escape and disperse throughout the body. When these ions relocate to other organs, they can cause irritation and cysts, as well as elevated levels of metal in the blood. These particles can also cause fluid to collect in the joint and muscles around the joint, causing swelling, pain, and infection.

Another problem causing failure is the method of fixation. In previous implant models, the device was fastened to the bone with screws. However, with the DePuy ASR System, the only means of fixation is for bone to grow into the device. This has resulted in numerous reports of the DePuy ASR cups becoming loose and requiring revision surgery. One reason for this may be that the metal ions released can also cause bone erosion because some patients respond to the metal debris by producing excess osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that breaks down the cells that make up bone (called bone resorption). The osteoclasts not only attack the metal debris, but also the healthy bone tissue that surround the device.

Symptoms of DePuy ASR System Failure

Patients who have reported problems with the DePuy ASR hip replacement device showed a variety of symptoms. These have included:

• pain and swelling in the hip, groin, leg, or lower back
• problems walking
• audible popping, clicking, or crunching sounds
• sensation that the hip is not “in place”
• decline in ability to do physical activity
• bone scan results showing increased metabolic activity in the implant area
• infection
• bone fracture
• dislocation
• elevated levels of metal in the blood

DePuy Hip Replacement Failure Attorney

Many of the DePuy hip replacements have been successful and patients have shown no signs of problems. However, an unacceptable number of implant recipients have experienced failure and will require painful revision surgeries. If you or a loved one has a DePuy hip replacement and has experienced any physical signs of failure, you should contact a DePuy recall attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible for financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses. Call the experienced attorneys at The Heller Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.