The use of all-metal hip prostheses have been questioned by several
health experts as the number of complications rise, news reports say.
The benefits of undergoing a hip replacement operation are extensive and
lifelong, according to an article in the Medical News Today, which may
also include mental health benefits. However, with every light there is
also a shadow, as negative effects from these metal hip implants started
to become more visible. Understanding and avoiding the problems are
common topics among several health studies related to metal hip
implants.
The risks faced by patients who have metal hip implants are far
greater compared to those who do not have the all metal hip implants,
according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each patient also
face different risks. The safety information gathered by the FDA helps
surgeons, health care providers and patients make informed health
decisions that may improve the health of the patient. The hip implant
composed of a ball, stem and shell made up entirely of metal. The metals
used for these hip implants are usually cobalt and chromium. Health
care providers are advised by the FDA to weigh the risks and benefits of
using an all-metal hip implant.
Metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-metal, ceramic-on-polyethylene and
ceramic-on-ceramic may be used as an alternative if the risks of using
an all-metal hip prosthesis is high. Setting proper expectations after
the surgery is recommended for surgeons and they are to brief patients
fo the possible risks. Weight, gender, age, diagnosis and lifestyle are
several factors that might influence the success of the prosthesis.
Women were linked to higher failure rates while younger men with large
femoral heads are likely to be more successful.
The deposits of wear particles in surrounding tissues have become
one of the main concerns of patients with an all-metal hip implant
because it causes infection and pain. The cobalt and chromium ions may
also enter the bloodstream, although health care providers are not yet
sure on the long-term effects of these metal ions. Some of the
prostheses were already recalled by the manufacturing company while
others are still being used but are under strict observation because of
these problems. Routine check-up is needed by men and women who have
metal-on-metal hip implants whether or not they are experiencing any
problems.
URL References:
fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/MetalonMetalHipImplants/ucm241604.htm
fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm335775.htm
medicalnewstoday.com/releases/90293.php
