Recipients of metal-on-metal hip implants have been forced to deal with scores of side effects resulting from metallosis or chromium and cobalt poisoning. Many of these metal hips have been recalled, although many more are still being marketed and implanted. The process by which many metal hip implants gained approval—the 510(k) program—is believed to be a flawed program by many, and one which fails to protect consumers. In the interest of “fast-tracking” the approval of medical devices, the manufacturers of these devices may be ignoring safety concerns for the patients who will eventually have the devices implanted in their bodies.
FDA Recommendations
After many, many adverse reports to the FDA regarding the negative symptoms related to metal-on-metal hip implants the FDA launched a metal-on-metal hip implant webpage which provided updated safety information and recommendations to consumers and physicians. Following a June, 2012 Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Devices Advisory Panel meeting, the FDA added even more cautions to their page, with a summary which stated “Metal-on-metal hip implants have unique risks in addition to the general risks of all hip implants.”
How Cobalt and Chromium Can Leach Into the Body
When metal components in the hip device rub against one another during periods of activity such as walking or running, tiny metal ions can be released and can travel to surrounding hip tissues or to the bloodstream. Metal shards in the hip tissues can be responsible for metallosis which causes severe pain and inflammation in the hip, groin or thigh regions, degradation of tissue and bone, the development of pseudo-tumors, loosening of the hip implant and the necessity of hip revision surgery.
Chromium and cobalt poisoning can result when the metal ions make their way into the bloodstream. Most all metal implants are made of cobalt and chromium, although many have a titanium stem. Patients who are particularly sensitive to these heavy metals may experience significant, adverse health effects although they have relatively low levels of cobalt and chromium in their body. On the flip side, patients with much higher levels of cobalt and chromium in their body may not have begun experiencing the side effects related a buildup of these metals as they leach into the body. It is now recommended that doctors should do a simple metal sensitivity test on all patients prior to implanting a metal device anywhere in the body.
The Effect of Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning on the Brain
The sensory system consists of sensory receptors, neural pathways and the parts of the brain involved in sensory perception. Commonly recognized sensory systems include vision, auditory, touch, taste, smell and balance/movement. These sensory systems affect how we perceive the world around us. While cobalt and chromium poisoning can affect many parts of the body, perhaps the most dismaying include those related to the sensory system. Hearing loss and vision impairment can result from chromium and cobalt poisoning as can tinnitus, atrophy of the optic nerves, vertigo, chronic headaches, the decline of cognitive functions and short-term memory loss.
If you have suffered sensory-related damage due to a metal-on-metal hip implant, it is important to speak to your doctor regarding the possibility of revision surgery to remove the metal device. After taking care of your health, it can be advantageous to speak to a skilled metallosis lawyer to determine whether you are entitled to damages from the manufacturer of your metal-on-metal hip implant.