Every hip implant has a distinct set of benefits and risks. Generally, hip implants are medical devices intended to restore mobility and relieve pain associated with arthritis and other hip injuries. However, risks vary depending on the type of hip implant used. For example Metal- on-Metal implants have their own unique risks in addition to general risks.
Metal-on-Metal Implant Risks
In Metal-on-Metal implants, the metal ball and the metal cup grind against each other while walking or running, which can cause metal ions such as, cobalt and chromium, to be released into the bloodstream. Since Metal-on-Metal hip implants can shed metal particles into the body, this can cause metallosis or metal poisoning. Each person reacts differently to high levels of cobalt symptoms of metallosis may vary.
Naturally, the body stores a certain level of cobalt and chromium for healthy cellular function, however when the metal implant components rub together, they release cobalt and chromium ions into the surrounding tissues and bloodstream which can create toxic levels in the body. When excessive metal builds up near the joint, the lymph nodes and surrounding joint fluid attempt to clean the body by absorbing the ions and transporting them to the kidneys in which they are removed from the body in the urine.
Sometimes the body is overwhelmed by the amount of metal this causes a number of complications, which may affect the nervous system, skin and other organs which can lead to symptoms including:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Visual impairment
- Cognitive impairment
- Nerve problems
- Thyroid problems
- Skin rashes
- Infections
- Implant loosening
General Hip Implant Risks
Like any medical procedure hip surgery carries risks including:
- Reaction to anesthetic
- Wound infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
There may also be adverse reactions after surgery regardless of the type of hip implant including:
- Hip dislocation
- Bone fracture
- Joint infection
- Local nerve damage with numbness/weakness
- Device loosening or breakage
- Difference in leg lengths
- Bone loss