Metal-on-metal hip implants have caused a significant number of recipients to develop serious symptoms of metallosis. Many of these metal implants have been recalled, after the failure rate rose to unacceptable levels, however all-metal hip implants are still being used, albeit in much lower numbers. In 2007, the number of metal-on-metal hip implants reached an all-time high, and were responsible for over 30% of the total number of annual hip implants. With almost 300,000 hip implants performed in the United States alone each year, this meant that nearly 100,000 of those were metal-on-metal, rather than the more traditional ceramic, polyethylene or metal-on-plastic.
Recalls Decrease the Number of All-Metal Hip Implants
Following the recall of the DePuy ASR and the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate, as well as the thousands of adverse reports regarding metal-on-metal hip implants received by the FDA, the number of all-metal hip implants has dropped drastically, to only about 10% of the total. Doctors now perform blood tests in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants to rule out chromium and cobalt poisoning. What is still not well understood is why some patients will experience serious adverse metal poisoning effects while testing at relatively low levels of cobalt and chromium, while others, with high levels of these metals, will experience no adverse effects.
Is Metal Sensitivity Responsible for Symptoms of Metal Poisoning?
It is believed that some people are particularly sensitive to heavy metals, and will react to exposure to chromium and cobalt in small levels which may not cause any type of reaction in people without such sensitivities. Approximately 10-15% of Americans have some level of metal sensitivity. Metal sensitivity is not just an allergic reaction, but a more complex condition. Those who are sensitive to heavy metals have immune, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems which have deteriorated over time, causing an increased reaction to such metals as cobalt and chromium.
Who Is Most Susceptible to Metallosis?
The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of cobalt and chromium, and since most metal hip recipients are over the age of 60, this could account for the many reports of metallosis symptoms. Other groups of patients who may have an increased risk for metallosis symptoms (such as pain, inflammation, deterioration of tissue and bone and loosening of the implant) include:
· Patients with hip implants on both right and left side
· Those with implants which utilize a small femoral head
· Female patients
· Those patients receiving high doses of corticosteroids
· Those patients with kidney problems
· Patients who have suppressed immune systems
· Any patients with a suspected sensitivity to heavy metals
· Patients who are obese
· Patients with very high activity levels
Further Results of Metallosis
As the metal ions continue to build up in the body, they can kill connective tissues surrounding the hip implant, causing scarring and generalized blood poisoning. Metallosis is progressive (until the source of the cobalt and chromium—the metal hip implant—is removed) and can kill nerve cells, including pain receptors, causing significant amounts of tissue death before the patient is aware of the issue. The immune system becomes even more weakened from the influx of metal debris, making the patient more susceptible to colds, flu and other bacterial viruses. The FDA now recommends regular blood testing to monitor the levels of chromium and cobalt in the system, whether symptoms are overt or not. Until doctors have a better idea of why some people react so seriously to cobalt and chromium exposure and others react much less, it is important to consider carefully before agreeing to an all-metal hip implant. If you have suffered metallosis from a metal-on-metal hip implant, contacting an experienced metallosis lawyer could be beneficial to your future.