DePuy Orthopaedics recalled its ASR Hip Resurfacing System and ASR XL Acetabular System in 2010 after studies showed that the hip implants had high failure rates. The devices were recalled from the Australia market in 2009, and several experts have criticized how DePuy delayed the international recall.
Which hip implants have been recalled?
- DePuy ASR Acetabular & Resurfacing System.
- Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip Recall.
- Smith & Nephew R3 Acetabular, Modular SMF, Modular Redapt Femoral Hip Systems.
- Wright Conserve Plus and Profemur Z Hip Stem.
- Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component.
What went wrong in the DePuy case?
DePuy identified reasons for the failure of the hip replacement system as component loosening, component malalignment, infection, fracture of the bone, dislocation, metal sensitivity and pain.
What are DePuy hip replacements made of?
Design of DePuy Hip Replacement Products
The DePuy Pinnacle Acetabular Cup Liner is a metal liner designed for use with the Pinnacle Acetabular Shells and the matching femoral head which are constructed with a proprietary alloy containing cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum.
Do they still use metal hip replacements?
Metal-on-metal (MoM) implants have only been used in a minority of all hip replacement surgeries. They are done on very few people now, so this may not affect you. If you’re not sure what type of implant you have or you have any concerns about your hip, you can consult your doctor for advice.
What does Metallosis mean?
Metallosis is a type of metal poisoning. It involves a build-up of metal debris in the body’s soft tissue. This happens when parts of a metal on metal hip replacement rub together, releasing tiny cobalt and chromium particles into your bloodstream and the tissue surrounding your hip. You may also read,
What is metal on metal hip replacement?
A metal-on-metal hip implant consists of a ball and cup made of a cobalt and chromium alloy. Originally developed as a more durable alternative to implants with ceramic or polyethylene (plastic) components, MoM implants proved to be the opposite. Check the answer of
How many years does an artificial hip last?
95% of hip replacements last at least 10 years, about 75% last 15 to 20 years, and just over half last 25 years or more. To help keep your artificial hip in good shape longer, stay active but avoid high-impact activities, and stay at a healthy weight.
Can you get cobalt poisoning from a hip replacement?
Cobalt poisoning from hip prosthesis is rare but debilitating. It’s caused when the metal wears and introduces cobalt into the bloodstream. This is a known risk with metal-on-metal implants, but newer data are showing that it is also a risk with metal-on-polyethylene implants. Read:
Which is the best hip replacement material?
Ceramic heads are very hard and very smooth. As a result, they cause less wearing of the polyethylene. People who are sensitive to the nickel used in metal implants might be a good fit for the ceramic type. We use ceramic on polyethylene in the majority of total hip replacements.
Which is better ceramic or titanium hip replacement?
Research shows that ceramic hip replacements may be preferable to metal or plastics, as ceramic is more durable and may last longer. There are some limitations for ceramic materials, including a risk of fracture during implant. Improvements in modern materials have made fractures less of a concern today.
How long do DePuy hip replacements last?
The expected lifespan for most hip implants is 15 years. The company claimed that other sources indicated that the ASR hip implants had lower revision rates, but media investigations and lawsuits claim that DePuy knew of high failure rates more than a year before the devices were recalled.
Are hip replacements made of cobalt?
In the modern era of hip replacements, cemented stems (inserted with a surgical bone cement) are composed of cobalt-chromium metals. Cementless stems (implants in which your bone grows into the metal) are routinely made of titanium.
How do you know if something is wrong with your hip replacement?
Many hip problems can be diagnosed with an X-ray before you experience any symptoms at all. Typical symptoms that you may have failed total hip replacement are pain in the hip, groin, or thigh as well as limited mobility. Some people describe feeling that the hip joint might “give out.”
Where do you feel pain if you need a hip replacement?
1. Hip or groin pain. Pain around the hip or groin area can be one of the major indicators that there may be an underlying problem with your hip joint.
Can metal hip replacements cause dementia?
7 out of 9 patients showed short-term memory loss and possible dementia. The authors found a high incidence of cognitive disability and depression among patients who suffered from implant-caused metal poisoning (metallosis).
