Metal-on-Metal Hip Corrosion Connected to ‘Local Tissue Reaction,’ Journal Article Finds
A number of scientific articles have found a connection between metal-on-metal hip replacements and metal poisoning caused by ions flaking off the devices. Even mainstream media sources note the connection and shock readers with descriptions of the damage the devices have caused recipients. Now, a new study finds that metal-on-metal hip corrosion is worse than corrosion in another type of hip implant.
Researchers Compare Implants of the Same Diameter
The researchers in the article, published in the Journal of Arthroplasty, used a five-point scale to compare “taper corrosion” between 19 metal-on-metal and 14 metal-on-polyethylene hip replacements with 36 mm femoral heads. They found that eight of the metal-on-metal hips showed signs of corrosion beyond the taper zone as opposed to one of the metal-on-polyethylene hips (42 percent to seven percent). The average corrosion rate was higher for all-metal implants (score of 3.5 versus 1.9), and it corresponded to “adverse local tissue reactions” as well. The longer the implant remained in a recipient’s body, the higher the corrosion score grew.
One reason for the discrepancy is that metal-on-polyethylene implants incorporate a plastic liner to insulate the metal femoral head from the plastic acetabular cup. The researchers were concerned that more adverse local tissue reactions due to all-metal implants would come to light over time, necessitating revision surgery.
RLG Represents People Injured by ASR Devices
The study is not flawless. It only uses one manufacturer’s all-metal hip replacement, which while consistent does prompt the question of whether that particular metal-on-metal implant suffered from poorer design than its kind. Moreover, the study didn’t discuss whether 33 implants is a reasonable sample size, though it probably is.
Nevertheless, there’s no reason to dispute the Journal of Arthroplasty study’s findings. Metal-on-metal hip corrosion is a serious concern for those who received such implants, especially including DePuy Orthopaedics’ recalled ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System. If you received one of these devices, you might be at risk and need experienced legal counsel, for those who negotiate with DePuy alone risk receiving less because the amount of compensation from a hip replacement lawsuit might be greater. Just click on this link and a lawyer from the Rottenstein Law Group will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Click here to download RLG’s free brochure on the ASR recall.