Why those with Metal on Metal Hip Implants Should have Regular Blood Tests

Article by
Kevin Timms

Recent studies have shown that metal on metal hip implants, such as the DePuy ASR hip replacement of resurfacing system release metal particles into the blood stream of a patient.

These metal particles are a good indicator of whether a hip implant is functioning correctly. Regular blood tests should be taken to see whether there are increased levels of Cobalt or Chromium ions within the blood. Increased Cobalt and Chromium ions are an indicator of surface wear of a metal on metal hip implant and can cause a soft tissue reaction leading to severe tissue damage.

Recent studies have indicated that metal on metal hip implants may cause non malignant tumours, known as ‘pseudotumours’ or solid lesions. Such tumours can form around the hip. Other indicators of whether a metal on metal hip implant has worn abnormally quickly are MRI scans and ultra sounds.

Those who have received a DePuy ASR hip implant or another metal on metal implant should seek medical advice immediately and contact the product liability team at Garden House Solicitors to seek advice on whether they are entitled to make a claim.

The British Hip Society has advised that where a pseudotumour is present, revision surgery may be much more challenging as it may require difficult debridements (removing dead, contaminated or adherent tissue) and reconstructions.

Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that anyone who is due to have revision surgery requests that their hip implants, whether a DePuy ASR implant or other metal on metal implant be retained for expert evaluation. Garden House Solicitors also strongly recommend this as it will add weight to any claim you may be entitled to make.

Any hip implant that is removed during revision surgery should be retained as the metal on metal hip implant is the property of the patient and cannot be discarded as medical waste without the patient’s permission.

If you have had a DePuy ASR hip implant or other metal on metal hip implant please contact the product liability team at Garden House Solicitors for further information and advice on whether you are entitled to claim for the injuries you have sustained and other financial losses associated with your DePuy ASR hip implant or other metal on metal hip implant.

If you are concerned that you have received a failed DePuy ASR hip implant since 2003 or another metal on metal hip implant, please contact Kevin Timms within the product liability team at Garden House Solicitors on             01992 422 128 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            01992 422 128      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       or send an email to kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk Tel: 01992 422 128