When Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants Lead to Heavy Metal Poisoning
A primary concern facing the American public is the safety issues associated with the metal-on-metal hip implants used for hip replacement surgery. As the Baby Boomers in our society continue to age and continue to desire an active lifestyle, more and more hip replacement surgeries are taking place. Because younger people were receiving hip implants, manufacturers introduced the all-metal hip implant which was expected to last from 15-20 years, unlike the 8-10 years of expected life from their ceramic and polyethylene counterparts. Unfortunately, the expectations were short lived as it was quickly found that metal-on-metal hip implants bring serious health risks.
The DePuy ASR was introduced in 2005 and gained FDA approval based on a prior DePuy model known as the Pinnacle. By 2008, reports of serious medical issues had been sent to the FDA, and by 2010 the ASR was recalled by DePuy and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson. The failure rate of the ASR was much higher than the norm, ranging from 12% to as high as 40% depending on which research you believe. In any case, many of those who had expected to have their hip implant safely in their body for as long as two decades found that they were now required to undergo risky revision surgery to remove the defective implant and replace it with a ceramic or polyethylene model. Recovery time for revision surgeries was generally much longer and the surgery came with additional risks not seen in the original surgery.
Are You Suffering the Effects of Metallosis?
When the cobalt and chromium components of the hip implant rub against one another, tiny metal shards result. These shards will settle into the surrounding tissues or enter into the bloodstream. When the cobalt and chromium ions become lodged in the hip tissues, the body senses a foreign invader and sends special white blood cells to “fight” the unwanted intrusion. Unfortunately, the body is no match for these heavy metals. Inflammation ensues, eventually leading to tissue damage and death as well as bone loss in the hip area. The implant will loosen and many times will fail completely.
Pain at the site of the implant, masses of inflamed cells which resemble tumors but are fluid pockets known as pseudo-tumors and a noticeable rash are all symptoms of metallosis. Since the normal healthy tissue would normally hold the hip implant in place, once those tissues become weakened or destroyed, the implant can simply give way. Women, those who are particularly small or those who are obese are at the highest risk for metallosis as the structure of their body creates more tension on the implant leading to more metal shear and metallosis or metal poisoning.
How Blood Poisoning and Heavy Metal Issues Can Impact Your Health
When the cobalt and chromium shards enter the bloodstream, heavy metal toxicity and blood poisoning can occur. Both cobalt and chromium are extremely toxic to the human bodies although some people appear to tolerate higher levels better than others. Once the levels of heavy metals build up in the bloodstream, there is a wide range of serious side effects which may occur such as:
- Cardiovascular, renal, thyroid and neurological issues
- Anxiety, depression and irritability
- Loss of vision and hearing
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Skin rashes
- Vertigo
- Memory Loss
- DNA disruption
- Formation of certain cancers
- Pseudo-tumor formation
Those who are the recipients of a metal-on-metal hip implant, whether a DePuy ASR or another brand, should have regular blood work done to monitor levels of heavy metals in their body as well as undergoing any other tests recommended by their physician such as x-rays, bone scans and MRIs.