Metal-on-metal hip implants were devised as an alternative to ceramic or combination metal and plastic devices to last longer, but reports have also seen problems with them. DePuy Orthopaedics recalled its ASR XL Acetabluar System because of early failure rates, but the metal devise could also be leaching poisons into their patients.
DePuy devices have been found to shed metal debris in the body. Several factors may contribute to this, including:
– Corrosion forms at the juncture of the metal ball and socket.
– Heavy metals are deposited into the patient’s circulatory system in the femoral cup area.
– The acetabular notch in the lower part of the hip, which serves as a channel for blood vessels and nerves, is a major gateway for the toxic debris to enter the bloodstream.
While a failing hip is easy to spot, elevated levels of chromium and cobalt in the blood stream are not. The metallosis can cause non-cancerous tumors, muscle damage and swelling, making removal of the device necessary.
If you or a loved one have a DePuy ASR hip and are worried about elevated toxic metals in your blood stream, or have needed revision surgery as a result of the faulty device, contact your doctor and a North Charleston personal injury lawyer .