Metal on Metal Hip Implants – An Experiment

Article by
Kevin Timms

In a recent article by the BMJ, following an investigation by the BMJ and BBC Newsnight, it has been found that hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world have effectively been participating in an uncontrolled experiment.

Metal on Metal Hip Implant Update

Article by
Kevin Timms

The MHRA issued further advice on metal on metal hip implants, such as the DePuy ASR and Finsbury ADEPT hip implants, on 28 February 2012. The advice is that patients with a metal on metal hip implant should be monitored every year for the life of their hip implant.

The Clinical Director of the MHRA has confirmed that “patients have a small risk of suffering from complications from having metal on metal hip implants”. She further said that the MHRA has “updated patient management and monitoring advice to surgeons and doctors that they should annually monitor patients for the lifetime of their metal on metal total hip replacements”.

Many patients with metal on metal hip implants develop progressive soft tissue reactions to the metal wear debris associated with the metal on metal hip implant. This can lead to difficult revision surgery for the metal prosthesis.  Experts have suggested that the early revision of poorly performing metal on metal hip implants should provide a better revision outcome.

If you have been provided with a metal on metal hip implant such as a DePuy ASR, Finsbury ADEPT, Corin Cormet or Zimmer Durom and have been experiencing problems contact Kevin Timms to discuss your prospects of bringing a metal on metal hip implant compensation claim. 

We are also investigating claims where the hip implant used was not a metal on metal hip implant. 

Kevin can be contacted on 01992 422 128 or by email at Kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk.

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

DePuy ASRs Chain Reaction of Damage

Article by
Kevin Timms

The New York Times released an article entitled Remedy is Elusive as Metallic Hips Fail at a Fast Rate. This article explains the true extent of damage which can be caused by an artificial hip implant manufactured by DePuy International Limited, the DePuy ASR hip implant.

The extent of the injuries were described as a biological dead zone. Though all hip implants will wear with time, the article details the severity of the injuries which can occur in younger individuals as a result of cobal and chromium debris wear from the DePuy ASR hip implants.

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 Product Liability Claims

Article by
Kevin Timms

Garden House Solicitors are acting on behalf of a number of individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of a defect in the artificial hip implant manufactured by DePuy International Limited, the DePuy ASR hip implant. This has been highly reported by Dispatches .

DePuy International Limited has recalled all the ASR devices and the recall relates to both the total hip replacement and the resurfacing devices.

The Truth About Going Under the Knife - Dispatches Reports (DePuy ASR Hip Implants)

Article by
Kevin Timms

On Monday 16 May 2011 Dispatches reported on investigations into whether manufacturers of medical devices have been putting innovation before patient safety. The focus was very much on the artificial hip implant protheses manufactured by DePuy International Limited.

‘The Truth About Going Under the Knife’ primarily explored the ASR hip implant, which applies to both the resurfacing system and the total hip replacement. The programme focussed on the manufacturer DePuy.

Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacings and Pseudotumours (DePuy ASR)

Article by
Kevin Timms

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford have published a study on a clinical trial concerning a number of patients who had received metal on metal resurfacing, who has various symptoms and a pseudotumour (these are non malignant).

This study showed that the most common symptom was discomfort in the hip whereas other symptoms included spontaneous dislocation, nerve palsy (a collective term for a range of nervous disorders that result in weakness or immobility of nerves in some region of the body) a noticeable mass or a rash.

DePuy ASR Hip Implants - long-term biological effects of exposure to orthopaedic metal alloys

Article by
Kevin Timms

At present there are many people who have concerns over their DePuy ASR hip resurfacing systems. The reason for this is that it has been reported that the DePuyASR hip replacement and hip resurfacing system have an abnormally high failure rate. In terms of statistics, this equates to 1 in 8 patients requiring revision surgery within 5 years of implantation.

The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford have published a study on the long-term biological effects of exposure to orthopaedic metal alloys. The study particularly focused on Cobalt and Chromium ions derived from metal on metal wear debris from medical implants such as hip implants.

Biological Effects of Wear Particles from Metal on Metal Hip Protheses (Relevant to DePuy ASR Hip Implants)

Article by
Kevin Timms

In 2008 the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering at the University of Leeds published a study on the metal particles released from metal on metal hip protheses (implants).

This study was concerned with the release of Cobalt and Chromium particles, particles which are also tested for when seeing if the DePuy ASR hip replacement or resurfacing systems have failed.

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.

Johnson & Johnson in the News Again - DePuy ASR Hip Implants Revisited

Article by
Kevin Timms

Ethicon, a division of Johnson & Johnson, have issued an urgent product recall of a number of its products.

The following products are affected:

1. BLAKE® Silicone Drain 2. BLAKE® Silicone Drain Kit 3. BLAKE® Cardio Connector 4. J-VAC™ Reservoir 5. J-VAC™ Drain Adapter 

6. Multiple Product Codes and Lots are subject to the recall

Metal on Metal Hip Implants - DePuy ASR hip implants revisited

Article by
Kevin Timms

Recents studies have shown that the adverse symptoms experienced by 1 in 8 people ,who have received DePuy ASR hip implants and needed revision surgery within 5 years of implantation, may also be experienced by others who have metal on metal hip implants.

If you are experiencing pain, swelling or having problems walking, please contact the product liability team at Garden House Solicitors for advice on whether you are entitled to make a claim for injuries sustained and financial loss associated with such injuries.

Call us on 01992 422 128 or send us an email at kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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

DePuy ASR Hip Replacements and Resurfacing Systems

Article by
Kevin Timms

In August 2010 DePuy, a division of Johnson and Johnson, voluntarily recalled its ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement system and its hip resurfacing system.

Data has shown that within five years of implantation, approximately 12% of patients who had received the ASR resurfacing device and 13% of patients who had received the ASR total hip replacement needed to have revision surgery. This equates to 1 patient in 8.