Published on the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) advisory committee meeting concerning all-metal hip replacements, a new study once again shows the devices cause serious problems. The authors determined that most metal-on-metal hip failures occur within the first two years after they are implanted. The study also discussed the reasons the implants fail, finding some problems more common than others.

Most Common Cause of Failure Is ‘Aseptic Acetabular Loosening’

The article, which appeared in the July 2012 issue of the medical journal, Orthopedics, analyzed 80 patients who received a metal-on-metal hip replacement that required subsequent revision. Surprisingly 78 percent of the revision procedures occurred in the first two years after implantation, and 92.5 percent occurred within the first three years. 13 percent of the recipients “experienced significant localized soft tissue reactions,” referring to the metal ions the devices tend to shed and can cause metal poisoning.

The researchers found that the most common cause of implant failure was “aseptic acetabular loosening,” which means the hip cup loosened for reasons other than infection. 45 of the 80 revision procedures were attributed to this cause alone.

Some devices failed more often than others. The recalled DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System was the second most common device to fail (four) and two patients received DePuy’s Pinnacle hip replacement, which is also the subject of numerous hip replacement lawsuits.

This is the list of causes of metal-on-metal hip failure, according to the study:

• Aseptic acetabular loosening (45/80)
• Infection (10/80)
• Metal hypersensitivity (5/80)
• Failed resurfacing (5/80)
• Fracture (4/80)
• Loose stems (3/80)
• Dislodged liner (3/80)
• Iliopsoas impingement (2/80)
• Seizing (1/80)
• Cup malposition (1/80)
• Femoral stem fracture (1/80)

Unlike some hip replacement studies, the authors did not stop there. They created a diagnostic flow chart that orthopedists can refer to if their patients’ metal-on-metal hip replacements are exhibiting problems. The authors also emphasized the need for an artificial joint registry in the United States, citing the large number of people affected DePuy hip recall. You can read the study for yourself, but beware that it contains graphic images of hip replacement surgery.

RLG Advocates for ASR Recipients

Once again, medical science has shown that metal-on-metal hip replacements can be quite dangerous, including those made by DePuy Orthopaedics. If you received one of this company’s recalled ASR devices, and you believe it injured you, you are probably interested in legal compensation. However, going alone against DePuy is risky because the amount of compensation from a DePuy lawsuit or settlement might be greater than what the company is willing to offer you via its recall reimbursement program. To receive a complimentary, private consultation with a lawyer from the Rottenstein Law Group, just click on this link or call 1-877-312-3274.

For more information on the DePuy hip recall, download this free brochure.