According to Mayo Clinic researchers, about 2.5 million people in the United States have had a hip replacement.
Hip replacement surgery’s most common cause, is osteoarthritis however a doctor may suggest surgery if you have:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling)
- Osteonecrosis (causes the bone in joints to die)
- Injury of the hip joint
- Bone tumors that break down the hip joint
In reference to The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, hip replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a hip joint and replaces them with new, factory-made parts.
The surgery is supposed to:
- Relieve pain
- Help the hip joint work better
- Improve walking and other movements
Different Kinds Of Hip Replacement Devices
In the United States, there are currently five different types of total hip replacement devices including the following:
- Metal-on-Polyethylene: the ball is made of metal and the socket is made of plastic
- Ceramic- on-Polyethylene: the ball is made of ceramic and the socket is made of plastic
- Metal-on-Metal: the ball and socket are both made of metal.
- Ceramic-on-Ceramic: The ball is made of ceramic and the socket has a ceramic lining
- Ceramic-on-Metal: The ball is made of ceramic and the socket has a metal lining.
How Effective are Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements?
Although Metal-on-Metal implants are very durable and can withstand an active lifestyle in younger patients, the durability comes with increased health risks.
Metal-on-Metal implants shed metal particles that have been linked to a number of serious health issues.
All artificial hip implants carry risks, including wear of the component material. However, Metal-on-Metal hip implants have unique risks in addition to the general risks of all hip implants.
Several manufacturers- including DePuy and Stryker—have recalled one or more all metal hip implant products.