DePuy Hip Implants and Metallosis: Side Effects
DePuy Hip Replacement: Metallosis
The DePuy hip replacement recall was issued due to a number of problems that patients experienced. Many defective ASR devices malfunctioned and required revision surgery to replace the defective prosthetic. Approximately 1 in 8 patients who received these replacements require revision surgery. However, while the device is prone to loosening and dislocation, metallosis (high levels of metallic debris) may be of even greater concern for patients.
The DePuy ASR hip implant that has been used since 2003 is a metal-on-metal device. This is a cause for concern since, due to its design flaws, the prosthetic is known to deposit excessive metallic debris in the patient’s system from the components rubbing against one another. The metal cobalt has been found in highly elevated levels in DePuy hip implant patients. This can lead to a condition known as cobaltism.
Cobaltism has been shown to cause a number of adverse conditions, including:
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo
- Deafness and blindness
- Optic nerve damage
- Convulsions and headaches
- Perpheral neuropathy
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hypothyroidism
Cobalt debris can cause swelling, pain in the thigh, difficulty standing, hip pain, and groin pain. These issues can be signs of a serious and worsening condition for patients with DePuy recalled hip implants. Even patients who have not experienced these symptoms may have elevated cobalt levels in their system. The metallosis caused by these defective hip implants can severely affect the quality of patients’ lives. If you have been the recipient of a DePuy ASR hip replacement, seek medical assistance immediately and contact an experienced DePuy hip replacement attorney to protect you by filling out the no-cost, no-obligation orm on the right.