Were You Implanted With a Hip ReplacementContaining Cobalt?
Many recipients of hip implants who believed they were being implanted with a safe implant have found to their dismay that they received a metal-on-metal hip implant which has since been found to bring very real health risks. DePuy Orthotics, along with many other all-metal hip manufacturers, have been under scrutiny and many of these implants—including DePuy’s ASR have been recalled due to risks of failure and metallosis. Many hip implant recipients are not even aware of what type of implant they received, therefore it is highly advisable to speak to the hospital where the surgery took place in order to determine whether the implant is a recalled model, or on which has been having a significant amount of problems.
Although it was initially believed that the all-metal hip implants were the perfect answer to younger people who led a very active life and needed a hip implant, the metal implants have not performed as expected. These metal-on-metal implants were meant to last from 15-20 years, yet many recipients have suffered serious enough problems that they were required to undergo revision surgery just a few short years after they received their implant. The metal components of the implants are constructed of cobalt and chromium. When the implant recipient engages in activities, the cobalt and chromium components rub against one another, creating friction and, eventually, metal shear. Microscopic metal ions burrow into the surrounding hip tissues or enter the bloodstream. When the ions enter the surrounding tissues, they become inflamed and tissue destruction and death can occur as well as bone loss. The patient likely suffers chronic and severe pain at this point and will require a revision surgery to replace the defective hip implant.
How Elevated Cobalt Levels Can Impact Your Health
When the metal ions enter the bloodstream, metal poisoning or metal toxicity can occur. Both cobalt and chromium in the body can lead to very serious health consequences. Cobalt is a by-product of copper and nickel mining, and is commonly found in turbine blades, drill bits, prostheses, blue pigments used to color ceramics, tires, petroleum, lithium-cobalt and other batteries, permanent magnets and platinum jewelry. Until the advent of the all-metal hip implants, cobalt toxicity was rarely seen other than in industrial factories where workers were constantly exposed to cobalt dust. When cobalt levels accumulate in the bloodstream, the implant recipient may experience chronic and severe headaches, fatigue, nausea, vertigo and other balance issues, loss of memory or other cognitive functions, hearing and visual impairments which can include deafness and blindness, cardiomyopathy, thyroid issues, tremors and loss of coordination, renal failure and emotional issues including anxiety, irritability and depression.
Chromium Toxicity Symptoms
Chromium toxicity and poisoning is just as serious, and many of the same symptoms apply. Chromium is found in two forms; trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is found naturally in foods such as sweet potatoes, brewer’s yeast, corn, whole grains, beef, chicken, turkey, shellfish and certain other vegetables and fruits. Hexavalent chromium does not occur naturally, rather is a by-product of industrial pollution. Hexavalent chromium in the bloodstream can lead to kidney damage, convulsions, liver damage and it is believed to increase the risk of cancer. Those who were implanted with a DePuy ASR Hip Replacement System should be aware of the potential health risks and take steps to minimize the damage to the extent possible.