The Gist on Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
With the rise of new technology, innovations are being introduced which includes metal-on-metal (MoM) implants Hip implants are among one of the pioneers in the field that can benefit those with severe hip problems especially the elderly. The need to find an implant for damaged hip joints which could withstand the wear and tear overtime is on the rise. The objective is to create these devices for long-term or lifetime use to save time, money and effort. However, every invention will always have a room for error like the DePuy Pinnacle whose mother company is facing a $70 million lawsuit.
What is a Metal-on-metal (MoM) Hip Device?
MoM belongs to the 4 devices that the Americans can choose when they need to have a hip replacement surgery. A ball, stem and shell all made out of metal constitutes the device. The most commonly used metals are Cobalt-chrome and Titanium. There is no specific study showing which metal is better but cobalt-chrome has been used in orthopaedic prosthetics for 65 years without much report of allergies or rejections. When it was first introduced in the US in 2002, it was considered as a huge breakthrough. Cobalt-chrome was the metal used in making the first MoM device.
Some companies such as DePuy purposely designed metal-on-metal device with the younger and more active patients in mind because of its durability.
Advantages of a MoM Hip Device
MoM implant is considered to be the most durable hip replacement device and is believed to last a lifetime if proper care is made. MoM device has a number of advantages such as the following:
• Greater freedom of activity
• Less chances of being dislocated
• Less total material removed (compared to other devices) when there is friction between the ball and socket
• Believed to last a relative longer period of time (at least 15 years) so a revision surgery or another hip replacement won’t be necessary
Concerns on MoM Devices
Together with the advantages, certain issues were raised on MoM devices because they are known to have a number of negative effects. One concern raised is the risk for metal toxicity resulting from the metal particles falling off from the device. Over time, metal particles can also cause injury to the bone and surrounding tissues which is referred to as ALTR or adverse local tissue reaction. This occurrence might lead to loose implants that can cause terrible pain and a revision surgery might be necessary. Such reports were made by individuals who filed a DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit and want compensation for all their sufferings. As a whole, there are a lot of risks involved in a hip replacement surgery but your surgeon will help you go through each so you’ll know the best prosthetic device that will suit you.