Dec. 2, 2010: Respected Medical Journal Reports Metal Poisoning in Patients with DePuy ASR Hip Implants

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On October 29, 2010, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reported two cases of Cobaltism in patient implanted with the recalled DePuy hip replacement implant. Cobaltism is a metal poisoning that can damage multiple organs and has been associated manifested itself in tinnitus, vertigo, deafness, blindness, optic nerve atrophy, convulsions, headaches, peripheral neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and hypothyroidism.
The authors note that "A normal serum cobalt level is 0.19 ug/L, and 95% of those who are unexposed to cobalt have a value of <0.41 ug/L5. A serum cobalt level of >1 ug/L indicates excessive cobalt exposure, and levels of >5 ug/L are considered toxic." The patients in the study both had cobalt levels in excess of 60 ug/L and presented with symptoms of deafness, blindness, cognitive decline, headaches, convulsions, fatigue, weakness, peripheral neuropathy, heart failure, and hypothyroidism.

They also presented with periprosthetic metallosis, a disease of the tissue surrounding the implant caused by the metal shavings release into the tissue and blood stream as the metal-on-metal device wears out. Periprosthetic metallosis destroys the tissue in the hip area and can make subsequent hip replacements impossible.

If you have been implanted with the recalled DePuy ASR Acetabular System, you should see your physician and have your whole serum cobalt and chromium levels checked. You should also be sure to make your physician aware of any pain, swelling, clicking or other unusual symptom in your hip, as well as any of the symptoms associated with Cobaltism that you are experiencing.

You should also seek legal counsel as you may be entitled to compensation in excess of the reasonable medical expenses that DePuy is offering to cover. 

If you have been implanted with one of these defective devices, you should immediately seek advice from a lawyer that is knowledgeable about the DePuy hip implant recall and the injuries associated with these hip implants. For a free consultation with such an attorney, complete the form to the right or call 212-566-1000.  Based in New York City, Sullivan & Brill, LLP represents clients throughout the United States.

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