I have to start by saying that I have never had any issues with the ASR devise at all. I was very surprised about 6 months ago when the issue of ASR withdrawal first surfaced.
There is no doubt that the safety margin for the ASR is lower than other resurfacing systems like the BHR due to a 'low arc of cover'- described by Dr. Desmet. This is because the rim of the cup has become 'non -articular' to accommodate the cup holder.
Hence the failure rate is higher than the BHR.
The cups coming loose is certainly not true as I have implanted ASR cups in the most complex of cases. I am 100% confident that it is a technical issue.
It has proven to be an excellent tool in my hands and in dysplasia patients ( CROWE 3)- the s-rom with a ASR cup combination that is hard to beat.
The ASR reamers are very poor and not matched to the ASR cups. I have routinely used BHR or equivalent reamers for the ASR cups for 3 yrs since the time noticed the mismatch between the reamers and cup size for the ASR
The ASR has been excellent tool to provide an anatomical metal on metal articulation in small patients. I am very confident that it will work well if installed correctly. I will surely miss the ASR cup for small made patients if it is withdrawn completely.
with best regards
vijay bose
chennai
