Hip Devices with MoM Design May Cause Metal Toxicity Complications
Metal Toxicity complications have reportedly plagued metal-on-metal (MoM) hip systems ever since their market introductions. Studies show that, when the metal components of MoM hips scrape against one another, tiny metallic particles are released in the bloodstream of implant patients. Consequently, severe side effects like metallosis may transpire. Because of this, a number of orthopedic specialists are opposed to the utilization of MoM hip systems in hip replacement procedures.
Renowned makers of MoM hip systems are DePuy Orthopaedics, Zimmer, Smith and Nephew, Wright, and Stryker Orthopaedics. Oddly enough, many of these medical device firms are currently facing lawsuits over adverse effects linked to the MoM hip devices they have made.
MoM hip producers, as reportedly requested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are currently conducting safety studies on their hip products. The agency stated that the companies must do so in order to uncover all other potential risks associated with said hip devices. Apparently, many patients implanted with such devices exhibited heavy metal ion accumulation in the area surrounding their hip prosthesis. Thus, disputes and legal actions have developed. In addition to the FDA, other federal health regulators have also expressed their concerns on MoM hip device risks.
Moreover, researchers have recently discovered that patients with other types of hip devices that are not made entirely of metal components have also shown evidence of heavy metal poisoning. Two examples of such devices are the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip replacement systems. These hip replacement systems are unlike traditional MoM hip devices due to the fact that they are used together with ceramic on polyethylene-bearing surfaces. However, researchers say that modular hip devices like the Rejuvenate and ABG II still contain metal parts that can scrape against each other during movement. Hence, orthopedic experts say both types of hip systems may exhibit a similar result, which is the development of problems arising from the accumulation of metal particles in the blood of implant patients. Consequently, this triggered numerous Stryker hip replacement recall lawsuits in courts all over the country. According to reports, Stryker even issued a hip replacement recall in 2012.