Faulty Hip Replacements and Metallosis

Particles of metal inside the body tissues is uncommon but this condition called metallosis is dangerous. Upon hearing that definition, one would be surprised as to how that would be possible without one purposefully introducing tiny bits of metal into the internal parts of the body.  Well, the reason why metallosis is rare is because it is almost only exclusive to patients who have metal-on-metal joint implants. 

 

These implants are usually made up of either cobalt or cobalt-chromium. They are designed to replace joints that have become worn out due to old age or arthritis.  These artificial replacement devices may be applied to the shoulders, knees, elbows and wrists.  But the most common site for artificial replacements is the hip joint which is where the ball and socket of the hip bone and thigh bone meet.  A metal ball and socket is attached to the femur and the hip bone. 

 

Since the site of the implant is a joint where limb and body movements originate, the ball and socket are frequently in motion, rubbing against each other unavoidably.  The consequence of this is that metal debris accumulates in the nearest tissues as they chip off from the friction of the metal ball and socket. In worse conditions, if left to be prolonged or untreated, the metal ions may reach toxic levels and be carried by the blood stream all throughout the body.  This leads to having the incompetent and harmful metal implant removed.

 

To remove the metal-on-metal artificial hip is the only solution to this problem.  What this means is that the faulty device has to be taken out at once for replacement. Pain and long recovery is commonly expected n this condition.  In a considerable number of cases, the replacement of the prosthetic cannot be rushed in the presence of tissue injury near the site. 

 

Source: swedish.org/Swedish/media/Blogs/News/Adverse_reaction_to_metal_debris___metallosis_of-13.pdf