Hip replacement implants are used to improve mobility and function for patients with damaged hip joints. While successful, metal-on-metal implants have faced recalls due to health risks from metal ions. A 2012 FDA review found the risks of metal-on-metal implants outweigh benefits as the metals can break down and expose patients to toxic levels. Patients are advised to discuss risks of metal-on-metal implants with their surgeons and consider alternative options.

2. Hip joint replacement implants, also known as artificial
hips, are used to replace damaged hip joints to improve
mobility, joint function, and range of motion for patients,
according to orthopedic experts. First introduced in the
1960s, prosthetic hip implants have been reportedly
considered as one of the notable medical breakthroughs
and have been reportedly used in more than 285,000 hip
replacement proecedures in the United States annually.
However, just like other treatments, these medical devices
also bear distinct health risks. All-metal implants, in
particular, have been reported to cause serious
complications which may have prompted some the most
prominent recalls in the United States, including the
DePuy ASR metal-on-metal hip systems recall.

3. The DePuy hip replacement recall was not the only product
pull-backs conducted in the country. Big names in the medical
device industry have also issued a recall or decided to halt the
sales of some of their all-metal hip implants stirring up
discussions and concerns among experts, consumer advocates,
and the public. One of the major concerns that reportedly led to
some of the most-well known hip produce recalls in the country
may have been instigated by increasing numbers of device
failure rates. Some of the most common warning signs that may
indicate a possible implant failure implant may include: hip,
thigh or groin pain; pain while walking, rising from a seated
position, or while bearing weight; swelling; discomfort,
dislocation, and clicking sounds caused by grinding between
the ball and socket; reduced range of motion; and bone loss
(resorption) from inflammation.

4. In July 2012, a review by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and a group of experts reportedly
revealed that the benefits of metal-on-metal hip implants
may be outweighed by their potential risks. A group of 18
experts reported scientific indications that they are more
likely to break down some time after implantation,
exposing patients to dangerous levels of toxic metals.

5. Additionally, the agency also issued an updated
information that claims that metal-on-mental hip
implants can cause soft-tissue damage and pain, online
media reports. This in turn may bring about pain, result to
the loosening of the implant, or even device failure, which
could possibly lead to further surgery to replace the
implant. Some of the metal ions released may also find its
way into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the
body, causing unwanted health problems. Patients are
advised to thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks
associated with metal-on-metal hip implants and talk to
their surgeons about other possible options for surgery.
Visit depuyhiprecall.us if you wish to know more about
safety issues surrounding DePuy’s all-metal hip implants.

6. Sources:
*orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00233
*ehealthmd.com/content/when-hip-replacement-
needed#axzz2NcxAB1Pf
*nytimes.com/2010/08/27/business/27hip.html?_r=0
*medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255083.php
*reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-fda-hips-
idUSBRE90G0W520130117
*fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm335775.h
tm
*medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247294.php
*osteoarthritis.about.com/od/osteoarthritistreatments/a/hip_re
vision.htm


7. Sources:
*orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00233
*ehealthmd.com/content/when-hip-replacement-
needed#axzz2NcxAB1Pf
*nytimes.com/2010/08/27/business/27hip.html?_r=0
*medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255083.php
*reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-fda-hips-
idUSBRE90G0W520130117
*fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm335775.h
tm
*medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247294.php
*osteoarthritis.about.com/od/osteoarthritistreatments/a/hip_re
vision.htm
