In recent weeks, we have written extensively on the issues surrounding the DePuy Orthopaedics articular surface replacement (ASR) metal-on-metal hip replacement joints. Essentially, these faulty medical products have caused thousands of people in New Jersey and throughout the country to suffer debilitating pain and lasting injury as a result of friction in the joint’s metal components.
Now, a study has found that the metal-on-metal friction may also be significantly increasing the risk of cancer in DePuy patients. When the metal components rub together, they cause metal shards to be released into the bloodstream, potentially causing metallosis, cobalt poisoning or more severe ailments.
The study, which was reported by the BBC and the British Medical Journal, reportedly found that people who receive metal-on-metal hip replacements may be at an increased risk of cancer due to the metal releases in the bloodstream. As a result, a British health regulatory agency has placed all DePuy hip recipients in a “high risk” category, asking that group to receive annual cancer screenings for the rest of their lives.
Although no such study has been conducted in the United States, it is likely that similar results would be found. About 500,000 people have undergone hip replacement surgery in the U.S. in the past 10 years, and a large percentage received the DePuy ASR device.
Hopefully, researchers reach a solid conclusion about the connection between the ASR and cancer in the very near future. If so, it is likely that the number of personal injury lawsuits filed against the company will skyrocket.
If you or a family member has suffered an illness or an injury as a result of the DePuy ASR hip replacement product, please contact Breslin & Breslin for a free consultation with an attorney.
Source: InjuryBoard.com, “Cancer and The DePuy ASR Hip System: Is There A Link And Should Patients Be Concerned?” M. Brandon Smith, Mar. 17, 2012
