Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements Might Cause Cancer
After the hip replacement recall, stories about people suffering DePuy hip failure symptoms came to light. These included pain, swelling, clicking sounds, dislocation, device failure, and worst of all, metal poisoning. Orthopedists discovered that the devices’ metal components were grinding together, causing cobalt and chromium ions to flake off and inflame the surrounding tissues. Now, British researchers are investigating whether metal poisoning leads to cancer as well.
Researchers ‘could not believe what had been found’
According to the Telegraph, orthopedic consultants in Bristol gathered 72 patients who had received metal-on-metal hip replacements and conducted tests on them to see if they had developed either cancer or “chromosomal abnormalities.” They hypothesized that as the metal ions flow through the bloodstream they can accumulate in certain organs and damage them, most notably kidneys and bladders. Of the 72 people who participated, 17 showed signs of “genetic damage” in their bladders. Worse, three of those 17 were diagnosed with cancer. It is unknown how many of them received the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System, both of which are covered by the DePuy hip replacement recall.
One recipient, a 51 year-old man, David Jose, visited his orthopedist after experiencing pain in one of his joints. His doctor said that the researchers “could not believe what had been found,” characterizing their conclusions as “shocking.” Mr. Jose’s tests showed “atypical cells” in his bladder, but at the time of the article’s publication he developed other health problems, but no cancer.
RLG Represents ASR Hip Recipients
The study has not been published yet, but the researchers will present their findings at the British Hip Society’s annual conference in March 2012. The thought that DePuy’s hips cause not only debilitating pain and metal poisoning but also cancer is horrible. It only increases the urgency for those who have not sought legal counsel to do so. It’s important to know that the amount of compensation from a DePuy hip lawsuit might be greater than what one might obtain by going through DePuy’s recall claims process. In a successful lawsuit, a plaintiff can obtain damages for full medical expenses, lost income, damages for pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages. If you are interested in a free consultation with one of the Rottenstein Law Group’s DePuy hip recall lawyers, simply click on this link or call 1-877-619-5087.
For more information on the DePuy hip recall, download this free DePuy ASR brochure.