Metal On Metal Hip Replacements

Metal on metal implants use a similar design to standard hip replacements but the surfaces of both the ball and the socket are made of metal.

Metal on metal hip replacements.

When surfaces of metal components grate against one another metal fragments and ions may be released into the surrounding joint. Hip replacement metal corrosion. In metal on metal devices both the ball and socket components are made of metal. These devices are made from a blend of several metals including chromium cobalt nickel titanium and molybdenum.

The fda has provided information for patients with a metal on metal hip implant. They are done on very few people now so this may not affect you. These metal surfaces are highly polished and smooth. Metal on metal hip replacements release metal ions into the bloodstream.

Reports of patient reactions to these ions have spurred the fda to order the 21 makers of these devices to perform new. If you re not sure what type of implant you have or you have any concerns about your hip you can consult your doctor for advice. This is largely due to the fact that the procedure takes longer and is more complicated than a first hip replacement. Your hospital will always have a record of your operation and what implants were used.

In recent years information about the wear of certain metal on metal devices has raised concerns about their use. Most total hip replacements are not metal on metal bearings and use other materials including ceramic and high density polyethylene. All hip resurfacing operations use a metal on metal bearing hip. These metal implants have been used in total hip replacement and hip resurfacing procedures.

All hip implants can cause serious side effects but metal on metal devices have been the cause of a higher than average rate of failure due to fritting and corrosion of the metal. Metal on metal mom hip implants have unique risks in addition to the general risks of all hip implants. All artificial hip implants carry risks including wear of the component material. Metallosis is a type of metal poisoning that can occur as a side effect of joint replacement devices with metal components such as metal on metal hip replacements or other metal implants.

Metal on metal hip replacements have been done for many years but became more popular over this past decade.