DePuy ASR Hip Implant Failure Rate at Six Years Confirmed by British Studies

Article by
Kevin Timms

British studies have revealed new information on the artificial hip implant protheses manufactured by DePuy International Limited, the DePuy ASR hip implants.

These studies have shown that some 29 percent of patients who have used a DePuy ASR hip implant system have reported that their implants have failed within six years of implantation, according to the National Joint Registry of England and Wales.

DePuy recalled all of its ASR systems in August 2010 following clinical evidence showing that metal on metal hip implants, in particular the DePuy ASR hip implants, have an exceptionally high failure rate in comparison with the advertised life expectancy of in excess of 15 years. Before the recall took place, over 90,000 DePuy ASR hip implants were sold world wide and in excess of 10,000 in the UK alone.

Though DePuy has previously denied that the failure rate of its ASR hip implants can be so high, the National Joint Registry figures have been compiled over a considerable period of time and is based on clinical data. This data has also identified that all hip implants featuring a metal on metal design are likely to have a higher failure rate than other types of hip implants.

Other sources have noted that the DePuy ASR acetabular cup is so shallow that it is susceptible to 'edge loading'. This is where the femoral head of the hip implant rubs against the acetabular cups edge which is where a higher degree of debris is released and increased the number of metal ions (cobalt and chromium) to be released from the hip implant. The problems with the DePuy ASR hip implant and the release of cobalt and chromium metal ions can lead to soft tissue damage, inflammatory reactions, metalosis, bone damage and psuedotumours. It can further lead to a more risky revision operation if symptoms are left untreated.

If you have had a DePuy ASR hip implant or other metal on metal hip implant and are experiencing adverse symptoms please contact Kevin Timms to discuss whether you are entitled to make a product liability claim. Please contact Kevin on 01992 422 128 or at kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk .

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