When products like the DePuy ASR hip replacements are recalled, the process is more complex than just retrieving them back. The devices are implanted in the body which would mean that a series of medical evaluations, testing procedures and in extreme cases, revision surgeries are necessitated. Twelve percent of ASR recipients worldwide would require the corrective surgical procedure to avoid further health complications. What complicates things further is that the hip replacements are said to release cobalt into the bloodstream causing several more health risks.
The type of hip prosthesis the ASRs fall under is metal-on-metal. This class of hip product has received numerous disapproval for being made up of cobalt and chromium which can scrape off and deposit into the body of the patient and destroy surrounding tissue and muscle. Moreover, the damage would often make revision surgery a much more delicate procedure.
Two case studies conducted by Dr. Stephen S. Tower show that “fit, well, forty-nine year old men” who have received the ASRs report of anxiety, headaches, fatigue, vertigo, hearing loss, depression, and cognitive decline. Exceptionally high levels of cobalt were found on both patients. A noticeable improvement was seen when they had revision surgery.
Tinnitus, vertigo, deafness, blindness, convulsions, headaches, hypothyroidism, and cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) are among the health problems a high blood concentration of cobalt can cause. A study done on female recipients revealed high levels of metal ions in their system and babies these women have carried were also passed these toxic substances.
This staggering news should push you to be even more determined to file a DePuy lawsuit against the company. You have had the ASR device implanted hoping that it will help you with the hip problems you have encountered before. You definitely did not expect to make it even worse. The pain, suffering and financial losses you have been put through should be compensated by the orthopedic manufacturer.
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