At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) meeting about hip implant devices in July, Dr. Jeremy L. Gilbert presented information about dangerous corrosion that may occur in metal-on-metal implants.

Corrosion happens when a chemical reaction gradually destructs a metal. This is currently happening inside patients’ bodies and leading to hip replacement complications and life-threatening health issues.

The metal components of a metal-on-metal hip corrode when they rub together and become “stressed, abraded, worn or fretted.” As soon as the components wear through the surface of the metal, the corrosion is rapid and unstoppable. The ions released by the worn-down metal can cause serious problems in the body, such as metal poisoning, tissue necrosis and a bone dissolving process called osteolysis.

Stainless steel, cobalt, chromium and titanium – the metals used in metal-on-metal hip implants – are all susceptible to corrosion. Researchers have known about modular implant corrosion since the 1980s, and all current metal combinations in metal-on-metal implants are known to have this reaction, according to Dr. Gilbert. Hip implant failure will continue to happen as long as these metal hip implants are on the market.

When batteries corrode, we buy new ones and replace them. That’s not so easy with a hip implant. Hip replacement failure leads to painful revision surgery and more recovery time. Patients who are suffering from complications due to a defective hip implant are urged to speak to a hip recall lawyer immediately.

Allison

Related posts:

1. What Will Defective Artificial Hips Cost Us?
2. Should You Request the Newest Hip Replacements?
3. A Look at Metal on Metal Hip Replacement Numbers