Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements Pose Serious Risks

Metal-on-metal artificial hips are producing complications and injuries not seen with their plastic or ceramic predecessors.

2011-03-03

March 03, 2011 (Press-News.org) Metal-on-metal artificial hips are producing complications and injuries not seen with their plastic or ceramic predecessors. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has drawn attention to the problems of these specific prostheses.

Total hip replacement systems consist of a ball and socket just like an organic hip. When both the ball and cup are made of metal, in the course of normal movements, such as walking or running, the metal ball and metal cup slide against one another. If the design is imperfect, complications can arise. Excessive friction, excessive looseness, and misplaced components all come with the risk of pain, metal ion release, pseudo-tumors and lymphocytic inflammation.

With catching and grinding, friction can cause small metal particles to separate from the implant. These metal particles may remain in the space between the ball and cup causing inflammation and soft tissue injury or metal ions may enter the bloodstream.

The consequences of these particles can vary from one patient to the next. In some cases, low concentrations of metal ions can affect a patient's nervous system, heart or thyroid gland. In still other cases, separated metal particles may cause hip or groin pain, swelling and numbness, ultimately leaving an individual unable to walk.

For anyone with a DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip implant it is important to understand that these risks exist and to pay attention to signs that the device may be malfunctioning.

An appropriate course of action will depend on the individual circumstances. In the event that you experience these symptoms and have a metal-on-metal hip implant, make an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon to evaluate the implant. In severe cases, you may be required to have the hip implant replaced.

For those who have suffered adverse reactions to these devices, there is legal recourse. Hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed in California State Court on behalf of patients nationwide. If you have suffered harm as the result of a hip implant, you should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your potential legal claims.

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Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements Pose Serious Risks

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