A recent study published in the British Medical Journal Open suggests that elevated blood metal ion concentrations may be associated with early failure of metal on metal devices. The study reveals that the presence of elevated cobalt blood levels is correlated with an increased risk of failure in the DePuy ASR device.
The study reveals that male patients with 10 mcg/L cobalt had nearly a 22 percent higher risk of failure with the DePuy ASR device. The failure rate was significantly higher in females, climbing to 43 percent risk with identical cobalt levels. Currently, the FDA recommends against routine blood metal ion testing in patients with no symptoms. This study asks the FDA to revisit that recommendation. The hope is that patients with elevated cobalt levels can receive physician treatment early and determine whether revision surgery is necessary.
If you have had a hip replacement, which used the DePuy ASR or DePuy Pinnacle devices, you can contact Stark & Stark and speak to one of the Mass Tort attorneys, free of charge, who can help assess any claims that you might have against the DePuy manufacturers.