Metal-on-Metal Bearings and Hip Implant Problems: "The DePuy ASR Hip Replacement Systems are part of a metal-on-metal bearings class of joint replacement systems. In some cases this type of hip replacement system can generate debris through its normal wear.
That debris then leads to inflammation and tissue damage. The agency in the UK in charge of medical device regulation issued a warning on the debris from this type of device in March. DePuy warned physicians that the implants may have a high rate of failure around this time. Articles included statements from prominent orthopedic surgeons that “most major medical centers have seen issues with this device”. The FDA had received over 400 complaints from patients with the devices prior to the recall.12 – 13% Failure Rate – 1 in 8 Will Need a Second Hip Replacement
The National Joint Registry of England and Wales completed a 2010 study that showed 12% of ASR Hip Resurfacing System and 13% of the ASR XL Acetabular System needing a second hip replacement within 5 years or the original hip replacement surgery. That means 1 out of every 8 hip replacements with this implant system will have a total failure and an even greater number may experience hip replacement problems less than a failure requiring a revision surgery."
