The recent recall of the DePuy ASR Acetabular XL hip replacement device has brought to light a variety of research illustrating the problems with large diaphragm metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prostheses. Many patients implanted with these devices are finding that they have high levels of cobalt and/or chromium in their blood.
Due to the poor design of this and many other large diaphragm MoM hip devices, the parts of the metal hip joint may grind against one another, releasing microscopic particles of cobalt and chromium into the blood and surrounding tissue. This "metal wear debris," as it is known, can cause a variety of adverse issues to the patient.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants Known to Cause Death of Soft Tissue, or Tissue Necrosis, and Pseudo-Tumors
One common problem is tissue necrosis, or death of the soft tissue surrounding the metal hip joint. An additional problem occurs at a cellular level, wherein there is a stimulation of inflammatory processes that cause an increased hypersensitivity. This can result in what have become known as "pseudo-tumors." These benign tumors are often growths of scar tissue and pus that cause pain and swelling around the hip and thigh.
For a better understanding of this process, watch our illustrated video demonstrating the soft tissue changes that take place in response to the release of metallic ions (press play in upper right corner of this page, or click the link to open video on a new web page).
Release of Cobalt and Chromium Ions Cause Concern for Long Term Health Issues
As the T-cells are stimulated to divide through this inflammatory process, doctors and researchers are concerned about the potential for more adverse long term health issues. Cobalt has been known to cause cardiomyopathy, or heart problems, and hypothyroidism, an effect on the thyroid gland. Both cobalt and chromium have the potential to contribute to neurotoxic outcomes, and carcinogenesis, or cancer.
For more information on the effects of cobalt and chromium, visit a new website we have established filled with information, research and videos explaining cobalt and chromium toxicity.
Contact an Experienced Medical Device Lawyer
If you have been implanted with a large diaphragm metal-on-metal hip device, received a hip replacement recall notice, or have been told you have elevated levels of cobalt or chromium in your blood, you may be entitled to compensation from the device manufacturer. Contact our medical device lawyers by filling out the contact form on this page, or by calling 888-285-3333 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
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chromium toxicity, visit our new website that features in-depth
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