What is the DePuy ASR™ XL Acetabular System?

The ASR™ XL Acetabular System is a 3 component system comprised of: the femoral stem (which is inserted inside the femur); the femoral head (or ball) that connects to the stem; and then fits inside the acetabulum (cup). A unique characteristic of the ASR™XL Acetabular system is that it is a metal-on-metal device meaning both the femoral ball and acetabula cup portion of the implant are metal.

What are the Common Problems/Symptoms with the ASR™ XL Acetabular System?

Swelling, component loosening, component misalignment, infections, bone fractures, dislocation, loss of muscle mass, unexplained hip pain, thigh and groin pain, pain when walking or rising from seated position, and clicking sounds, as well as high levels of Chromium and/or Cobalt in the blood or urine. X-rays can also reveal metal debris, which can ultimately lead to inflammation of the surrounding tissue.

What should I do if I received a Defective DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement?

Always consult your doctor or physician regarding health-related issues, but if you or someone you care about received defective joint replacement components, we would like to speak with you right away.

Should I receive notification from my doctor that I have a DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement?

Yes. According to the recall notices from DePuy, doctors and hospitals were provided information regarding the recall and requested to provide that information to their patients who had received a DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement.

What should I do if I have not received notice from my doctor that I have a DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement?

Obviously, you know you have had a hip replacement. You may or may not know that the hip replacement was a model manufactured by DePuy. If you have not received notice from your doctor that you have received the DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement, that information can be obtained through your hospital where the surgery was performed. We have medical authorization forms available to assist you to obtain that information. Please contact us if you do not know whether or not your hip replacement was the DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement.

What is the failure rate of the DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement system?

According to the recall notice from DePuy, its data indicated that these DePuy ASR™XL Hip Replacements were failing at a 13% rate over a 5 year period. The difficulty with this information is that the DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement has only been on the market since 2003 and there can only be a 5 year history for replacements taking place in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Therefore, we anticipate a much higher failure rate than initially reported by DePuy. Additionally, as more research, attention and exposure comes to this product, doctors will see the need for the DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement to be removed and replaced. Additionally, because of the focus caused as a result of the recall, patients should be tested for levels of Cobalt and Chromium in their blood, serum and urine. These blood levels will also indicate the need for the removal and replacement of the DePuy ASR™XL Hip Replacement system.

What is this that I hear about Cobalt and Chromium?

The DePuy ASR™ XL Hip Replacement system is made of titanium components that are coated in Cobalt and Chromium. Both Cobalt and Chromium are heavy metals and at high levels can cause tissue damage surrounding the hip joint, but also cause additional problems as the Cobalt and Chromium get into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. To review The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery’s article containing additional information about Cobaltism, click here.

What do I need to be doing?

First and foremost, continue your treatment regimen. Additionally, consider keeping a journal. We have found this to be extremely helpful in representing clients and it assists us in personalizing your claims when we have to present them for settlement or trial. We would like to speak to you right away.

Disclaimer:  All use of the ASR mark is for informational and product identification purposes only.  This post should not be taken as either medical or legal advice, but instead should act as a resource in providing general information that may be useful to the general public.  Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison & Norwood, P.C. is not affiliated with the medical device manufacturer DePuy Orthopaedics, Johnson & Johnson or their distributors.