NYT Article on DePuy ASR problems 3/9/2010

[nlvygini]

There was some minor mention of this issue earlier on surface hippy , but this article does have me worried. My surgeon was Schmalzreid (maybe that's the good news) but the problems with this device  and his comments are noteworthy. Are there more metal ions released from this device versus others? My blood panel does show a problem with lymphocytes. So far I feel good 3 years post op, but what's the future?Especially being female. Any body got more info before I write to Schmalzreid's office to inquire what's up with this news and what should patients do?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2

[jack]

Hi
This was discussed 7 posts below -
http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=1732.0

Its my take that yea maybe there was an issue with the asr device but it tends to be more an issue of competency with the surgeon. If the cup is placed askew there is a chisel type effect as the ball rubs on the edge of the cup causing increased wear and thus more metal in the patient. I am looking at this procedure in May and still have not changed my mind due to the comfort level that I have in my surgeon and my desire to have this procedure in lieu of THR. To each their own I guess and good luck in whatever you choose!

I do plan to have a discussion at my next meeting about this topic due mostly to these posts. Can't hurt to talk about it!

[obxpelican]

This is a bet from a non-doctor, but I would bet with 3 good years post-op you won't have any issues related to metal ions.   Not everyone, in fact only a small percentage of people will have issues with the ASR device.

Post op you could have gotten an infection--- did you?  Post-op you could have had a very serious dislocation, did you?  Post-op you could have had a femoral neck fracture, did you?  All of the aforementioned issues are far very serious issues and you apparently did not suffer from any of them. 

Relax, enjoy your new hip and get out and enjoy life, your glass is half full.


Chuck

There was some minor mention of this issue earlier on surface hippy , but this article does have me worried. My surgeon was Schmalzreid (maybe that's the good news) but the problems with this device  and his comments are noteworthy. Are there more metal ions released from this device versus others? My blood panel does show a problem with lymphocytes. So far I feel good 3 years post op, but what's the future?Especially being female. Any body got more info before I write to Schmalzreid's office to inquire what's up with this news and what should patients do?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2

[Bionic]

There was some minor mention of this issue earlier on surface hippy , but this article does have me worried. My surgeon was Schmalzreid (maybe that's the good news) but the problems with this device  and his comments are noteworthy. Are there more metal ions released from this device versus others? My blood panel does show a problem with lymphocytes. So far I feel good 3 years post op, but what's the future?Especially being female. Any body got more info before I write to Schmalzreid's office to inquire what's up with this news and what should patients do?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/business/10device.html?pagewanted=2

Schmalzreid's patients have very few problems.  He was one of the developers of the ASR device and knows how to use it.  If you're really concerned about ions, take a look at your post-op x-ray and estimate your cup angle.  For most implants, anything less than 55-degrees almost never presents a problem for ions.  Maybe the number is closer to 50-degrees for the ASR, since it's a little smaller than most implants.  This problem only arises if the cup is so steep that it's outer edge "chisels" against the femoral cap when you walk.  I would expect this problem to be rare to non-existent for a surgeon of Schmalzreid's skill.

[wayne-0]

Ok so I have a personal interest in this topic being that 16 months ago Dr. Ball placed ASR implants in both hips. I read all this about people being scared and nervous cause they have ASR implants. From what I've read and understand the problems occuring are such a small percentage ( not to take away or lessen the impact it has on a person who has come across this or any other problems ) of the overall procedures. Thank you Chuck for posting the attitude aspect of this topic because that is exactly how I have been going thru life since my surgery. Every person that is going to have this surgery or is in the recovery/healing process needs to read Chucks post above. Positive attitude I believe helps with the whole process of healing to recovery to everyday life situations ( not only for people who have had surgery but for everyone in every situation ). My glass is totally full and believe me I am enjoying my new hips more than I could ever put down in words.

[Gav]

I haven't logged on for a couple of weeks, and I have only just noticed this thread.

I had De Puy ASR on right Hip done last September. I have continuous groin pain, which refuses to clear up. I went to see the surgeon in december, and suggested that if the pain does not clear up in a few months, then I should go back to see him. I am fairly worried that the cup has not been correctly positioned, and this is causing the discomfort.