Richard E. Lewis, P.S.
Paulsen Building Suite 830
421 W. Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Telephone: 509-838-4148
Fax: 509-623-1196
Map and Directions | E-mail us
What is Different About DePuy Hip Implants?
In 2003 DePuy introduced the ASR Hip Implant System. The ASR is a metal on metal device. The DePuy ASR system was designed to give greater mobility by using a shallow cup. The problem with this design is insufficient coverage to fully distribute the forces of the ball against the cup without over concentrating those forces B usually at the edge of the cup. This results in metal on metal wear which can lead to loosening of the prosthesis, pain, malfunction, and the release of cobalt and chromium into the blood system.
Some experts suggest the DePuy design required placement of the ball to the cup at too precise an angle, which was difficult to appreciate during the surgical procedure. The required 45 tilt was difficult to visualize and if not precise, ensuing complications develop.
There is evidence DePuy realized the design allowed little margin for error on the part of the surgeon. In early 2009 DePuy sent a brochure to doctors on the importance of proper cup positioning for all hip implants. This literature did not address specific concerns about the ASR. Later, in early 2010, DePuy emphasized the need to properly position the ASR specifically. Dr. Thomas Schmalzried, an orthopaedist in Los Angeles, used the device successfully, but stated in a February 2010 interview that he realized the ASR cup might be more of a challenge to properly implant than competing cups.
Richard E. Lewis, P.S.
Paulsen Building
Suite 830
421 W. Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
Telephone: 509-838-4148 | Fax: 509-623-1196
Map and Directions | E-mail us
Attorney Richard E. Lewis, P.S., represents clients throughout Eastern Washington and the Spokane Valley, including the city of Spokane and Spokane County.