Patients With Metal-on-metal Hip Implants Highly Susceptible To Metallosis

An acknowledged danger for patients who have had metal-on-metal hip implants is Metallosis otherwise known as metal toxicity

. Abrasion of metal components, typically after failure of interposed polyethylene-bearing surfaces such as the ones used in the DePuy hip replacement systems causes Metallosis. The British Joint Registry estimates that nearly one third of DePuy hip replacement fail after six years.

Approximately a year ago, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. has recalled its metal-on-metal Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip system after it failed at a higher-than-expected rate, with some patients experiencing pain, swelling, joint dislocation and sometimes systemic damage to the central nervous system, thyroid and heart. According to Parker McDonald P.C., a Texas law firm, whose been representing plaintiffs seeking remedies for medical issues arising from the failure of metal-on-metal hip implant devices, in the recalled ASR device, the cup is so shallow that it is susceptible to so called edge loading. Edge loading is when the joints ball strikes against the cups edge and causes the implant parts to rub together and chisel off debris that releases microscopic ions of the heavy metals chromium and cobalt into the body.

Elevated levels of chromium and cobalt can cause Metallosis, a reaction of the bodys immune system to heavy metals with potential negative effects on multiple organs and organ systems. A patient with Metallosis will also experience pseudo tumors and black tissue around the implant area. To remove the defective implant, many patients would require an additional surgery, known as a revision surgery.

The mounting complaints with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receiving 5,000 so far since January confirm what many experts have feared that all metal replacement hips are on track to become the biggest and most costly medical implant problem since Medtronic recalled a widely used heart device component in 2007. Complaints filed with the Medtronic recall numbered to 7,700. With nearly 4,000 of the 5,000 complaints involving DePuy, a New York Times analysis estimated that the recall cold cost J&J about $1 billion.

Patients who have had hip replacement surgery have been urged to visit their healthcare provider and submit themselves for a blood testing to determine if there is a marked increase of metals chromium and cobalt in their system which would signify that they are suffering from Metallosis. J&J may have initiated the DePuy hip replacement recall, but damage has already been done with 93,000 people worldwide having received the DePuy hip implants.

by: Katherine Russel

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