DePuy ASR Hip Implant
According to the Telegraph, early research findings from a recent study on the effects of metal-on-metal orthopedic devices show an increased cancer and genetic damage risk associated with the implanted devices.
The in-depth British study followed 72 metal-on-metal implant patients found genetic tissue damage of the bladder in 17 (23.6%) of the patients. In three of the patients (4.1%) examined, the damage had developed into cancer.
The problems with metal-on-metal implants occur when friction between the metal ball and metal cup causes metal filing particles, typically cobalt and chromium, to break off. These metal particles can seep into the bloodstream causing inflammation around the implant resulting in damage to muscle tissue and bone around the implant site.
There are concerns that the major organs, specifically the bladder and kidneys, are at risk of being slowly poisoned and at an increased risk of developing cancer. The Telegraph went further, by stating, “the proportion of patients who suffered DNA damage may be significant, because such changes can cause mutations which lead to cancer.”
The ongoing study is being conducted by the University of Bristol. A spokesman for the University stated, “analysis of the results from the trial was still ongoing, and that the research would be peer reviewed and published.”
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective hip implant, call a Sarasota product liability attorney today from the personal injury law firm of Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A. Our lawyers may be able to help. Our law firm offers no cost consultations for personal injury cases. Our fees are also handled on a contingency basis. This means that we only charge attorney’s fees if we win the case.