In the past, artificial joints were most often considered with metal implants. However, recent statements have reported the damaging side effects that a metal-on-metal hip implant can cause. According to Fox news, The US Food and Drug Administration stated that metal implants can cause severe tissue and bone damage.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, surgeons carefully evaluate every patient to ensure that an implant will outweigh the benefits of an alternative hip system. The Southwest team applies nonsurgical therapies before considering surgical means for treatment.
After numerous recalls on the artificial hip implant, the US health regulator issued a statement saying that the metal-on-metal hip replacements could lead to further surgeries. When these implants were first introduced to the medical world, they were designed to be stronger than previous models. Conventional structures included a ceramic or metal ball acting as a rotator in a plastic socket. However, they have since become a major concern with a high number of unsatisfied patients and a number of safety issues.
Recent reports claimed that metal in the implants shed fragments when the ball and cup slide against each other. The release of metal could cause damage to the implant itself as well as surrounding soft tissue and bone.
When soft tissue is damaged, the body can experience pain, the implant may loosen, the structure of the device could fail, and a patient may need correctional surgery. The metal that sheds off of the implant could travel to other areas of the body and cause inflammation and illness.
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that every patient to discuss all surgical and nonsurgical options with their surgeon. If you or someone you know has a metal hip implant and is experience symptoms of pain, swelling, numbness, noises (ie clicking, squeaking, popping), or a decline in walking ability, contact a surgeon immediately.
Southwest Spine and Pain Center utilizes state-of-the-art technology and techniques to get patients back to their daily routines. Patients are provided with a number of conservative therapies such as physical therapy, medication therapy, and joint injections before considering surgery. Southwest Spine and Pain is now scheduling patients at our Logan location to continue to better serve individuals in all of Utah.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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