Most all metal implants are constructed of cobalt and chromium, although many have a titanium stem (another potential problem regarding mismatched metals). Patients with particular sensitivities to cobalt and chromium may experience significant adverse health effects at relatively low levels of metal exposure while others may have dangerously high levels of cobalt and chromium, yet remain asymptomatic. While cobalt and chromium toxicity have many of the same symptoms, there are important differences as well...

Metallosis occurs when a foreign object—such as metal ions which are produced by a metal hip implant—enter the tissues of the body. The body reacts by sending special types of white blood cells called macrophages to attack the area and fight the metal ions. While the goal of the body is to trap the metal shards and prevent them spreading to other parts of the body, in this particular case it is somewhat of a lost cause. The body is, of course, unable to remove the metal shards and inflammation, pain, tissue destruction or death and bone loss are the potential results. The longer the metal ions remain in the body, the more potential damage.

Almost everyone is familiar with Johnson & Johnson—after all their reach extends to virtually every industry in the medical sector. Unfortunately, the warm and fuzzy feelings many of us have regarding J & J as a result of their marketing of baby products is fading fast amidst the recent rash of recalls and lawsuits.