Metal Poisoning Common In DePuy Hip Patients

The DePuy ASR hip replacement is said to be defective. One of the issues is that the system (made out of cobalt and chromium) can cause metal poisoning. Both of the metals used are dangerous metals.
The metal poisoning occurs when the DePuy hip metal components undergo wear and tear while in constant contact with each other. They shed metal particles (microscopic in size) into the DePuy hip patient’s bloodstream. The shedding of microscopic metal particles can cause localized damage to both bone and tissue. It can also cause additional health problems.
There are several forms of DePuy hip metal poisoning; all have been observed by doctors since 2008 when the first DePuy hip related complaints were received by the manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson. The most serious of the various forms of DePuy hip metal poisoning is cobalt toxicity.

DePuy hip cobalt toxicity: Symptoms

Certain symptoms characterize cobalt toxicity: headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, “brain fog,” deafness and blindness. In severe cases of cobalt toxicity the poisoning can cause permanent damage to the DePuy hip patient’s organs and result in heart problems, convulsions and, in extreme cases, death.
Another form of toxicity seen as a result of DePuy hips is chromium toxicity. Chromium toxicity is known to cause allergic reactions, shock, gastroenteritis, and toxic nephritis.

DePuy metal poisoning risks and signs vary among patients

DePuy hip patients who are experiencing no signs or symptoms of problems may still be at risk for DePuy metal poisoning (metallosis). In order to determine the elevated levels of chromium or cobalt DePuy hip patients should undergo a simple blood test.
Most at risk for developing DePuy hip metal poisoning are women. This is due to the fact that the smaller hip replacement devices are set at an angle the results in unusually high pressure on the metal-on-metal implant.
Individuals who experience DePuy hip metal poisoning typically move on to experience more serious damage or injury as a result of the defective device. The experience of metal poisoning is also often a good indication of the need for revision surgery. An unusually high number of DePuy hip patients have already found it necessary to undergo revision surgery.

Lawsuits seek compensation for DePuy hip metal poisoning related injuries

The DePuy ASR Acetabulous Cup system was implanted in over 90,000 people worldwide. The first were implanted in 2005. The system was designed and later recalled by DePuy Orthopaedics. The recall took place in August 2010. The recall was in response to the discovery that the device failed in 12 to 13 percent of implant recipients during the first 5 years of implant use. And the device was advertised as capable of lasting 15 plus years.
The high failure rate in combination with the steady rise in metal poisoning incidents has resulted in hundreds of DePuy hip lawsuits being filed. Many of the lawsuits are currently consolidated in MDL (multidistrict litigation). The MDL legal process is similar to a class action.
US District Judge David A. Katz of Ohio was picked to oversee the DePuy hip MDL. He is currently ruling on a means of preserving defective hip implants removed after DePuy hip revision surgeries.