Guest Post - Hip Transplant Recall Alarms Patients with Arthritic Conditions, m

DePuy Orthopedics announced a large scale recall of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System total hip replacement and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System for their high failure rates and increased side-effects which have left patients disabled.

One of the most common remedies for degenerative hip conditions, the hip transplant operation has been regarded as one of the most successful and life-changing surgeries developed for those who seek a dramatic shift in one’s mobility, function and health.

Since the first hip replacement surgery was performed in 1960, millions of patients have undergone the procedure to alleviate severe hip problems and to increase their mobility. Generally, patients who suffer from chronic conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, hip disorders or Rheumatoid arthritis have undergone hip replacement procedures after other holistic attempts have failed. It is important for patients to be aware of any recalls with popular systems that are used for hip transplant operations.

Indicated by research and test studies, the hip implants have higher failure rates than other models and have caused serious hip problems for many. Five years after receiving the DePuy implants, complications required 12 to 13 percent of patients to undergo a second hip replacement surgery, making the DePuy hip recall a needed consumer awareness situation.

The implants have been associated with a number of problems, including the loosening of the hip replacement within the body and "metallosis," a serious condition that can bring by rashes and nerve damage.

Some believe the DePuy ASR hip implant is too shallow to allow for proper implantation. Others point to the danger posed by metal debris released by the implants. In an editorial that ran in the June issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty, three leading physicians argued that metal hip implants "do not show any clinical advantage," but rather "are producing a new serious of complications."¹ Hip implants made of metal-on-metal components, like the recalled DePuy hip replacements, have only been introduced in recent years.

Although hip transplant surgeries have helped many individuals regain quality of life, it is important to research and discuss all possibilities with your physician. Prior to undergoing surgery, patients should identify the problem and attempt all holistic and alternative healing treatments before making a decision. In many cases, there may not be a need for surgery. These include:

• Heat rub treatment with compresses and in the bathtub
• Specific folding and leg stretches; Yoga sessions
• Eat a vegetarian diet that include fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains; avoid fats and processed foods
• All-natural pain relieving creams; Find sleeping and sitting positions that avoid pressure on the designated area of pain

Additional information about drug side effects and medical devices may be found on DrugWatch.com.