ASR: A monoblock system consisting of three pieces made of a chromium and cobalt alloy: 1. metal cup implanted in the pelvis, 2. metal femoral stem implanted in the femur, and 3. metal femoral head attached to the stem that articulates within the metal cup implanted in the pelvis. The metal femoral ball and metal cup rub together, causing metal particles to flake off into the body. The ASR received Food and Drug Administration 510(k) approval in 2005. The ASR was recalled on Aug. 24, 2010. Injuries include hip revision surgery, elevated levels of heavy metals chromium and cobalt, pseudotumor, necrosis of tissue surrounding the implant, metallosis, and, in extreme cases, systemic injuries such as headaches, tinnitus, etc.
Pinnacle: A modular system consisting of four pieces: 1. metal shell implanted in the pelvis, 2. a liner placed inside the shell (the surgeon can choose a metal or polyethylene (plastic) liner) 3. metal femoral stem implanted in the femur, and 4. a femoral head attached to the stem (the surgeon may choose a metal or ceramic femoral head) that articulates within the metal cup implanted in the pelvis. We are only considering cases where a metal liner and metal femoral ball were implanted. The metal femoral ball and metal cup rub together, causing metal particles to flake off into the body. The Pinnacle received FDA 510(k) approval in 2002. The Pinnacle has not been recalled. Injuries include hip revision surgery, elevated levels of heavy metals chromium and cobalt, pseudotumor, necrosis of tissue surrounding the implant, metallosis, and, in extreme cases, systemic injuries such as headaches, tinnitus, etc.