Should I Be Concerned About My Metal Hip Replacement?
That depends on when your replacement was performed, as well as the exact materials used. Some metal hips do not show signs of other medical issues.
But if you have a metal-on-metal or MoM hip replacement, which was common in North Carolina in the last decade, you should be concerned. There are some potential complications and if you experience any of these issues, contact a doctor for additional attention.
What Is a Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement?
When a hip replacement is performed, there are different components that replace the bones of your hip and leg. There is a polished metal or ceramic ball that fits into a cup liner that is commonly made from very hard plastic. The older type used in the last decade had a metal cup liner, which results in a metal ball fit into a metal cup. This is referred to as metal-on-metal hip replacement and can create issues as the metals rub against each other.
Possible Health Issues and Symptoms
During the daily use of a metal-on-metal hip replacement, the metal surfaces rub against each other. This can cause the release of metal ions that enter the bloodstream, as well as wear and corrosion that releases tiny metal particles around the implant. Different reactions can occur depending on each individual. These reactions include damage to the bone and tissue surrounding the implant and joint, referred to as “adverse local tissue reaction” or ALTR.
The metal ions in the blood and body can also create a wide range of additional and potentially unexpected issues. These include skin rashes as an allergic reaction to the metals in the body, heart problems, and changes to sensory function including impairments to hearing and vision. Some psychological changes can occur, including depression, as well as thyroid dysfunction that can cause problems including fatigue, weight gain, and neck discomfort.
If You Are Suffering, Get Help
All of these can have serious consequences, so contact your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms following a metal-on-metal hip replacement. Additional surgery may even be necessary to correct issues or replace damaged components after the replacement.
While not all metal-on-metal hip replacements are necessarily a case of malpractice, you may have grounds for a civil case in some instances. Call us at the Rhine Law Firm, P.C., today at (910) 772-9960 to discuss your case and talk about your options.
