Monday, March 11, 2013

Metal on Metal Hip Implant Patients Warned of Metal Poisoning

Recent findings show that metal-on-metal hip devices are even more dangerous than previously thought. Therefore, British Health regulators are prompted to draw up new guidelines for Britons with metal-on-metal hip devices due to concerns regarding its safety. As of this day, over 30,000 individuals in the United Kingdom are implanted with all-metal hip implants.

Metal-on-metal hip replacement devices were introduced in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. They were originally intended for younger patients with active lifestyles. These hip replacement systems comprise a metal ball and cup that functions as the hip joint. Friction between these components is unavoidable. As a result, tiny metallic ions are released constantly in the blood and tissue of implant patients. In some cases, the accumulation of these metal ions may lead to complications related to metal toxicity. The complications associated with metal-on-metal hip devices include metallosis, tissue necrosis, and cobalt poisoning. Most of them have the potential to destroy muscle and bone. According to some research studies, the metal particles may also put the lungs, heart, and nervous system at risk of being poisoned.

Some of the major manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip replacements systems are DePuy Orthopaedics, Stryker Orthopaedics, and Smith & Nephew. These companies have promoted their all-metal hip replacement systems as 'superior' to traditional hip implants. However, several concerns regarding its safety were raised over the years.

Recent findings show that metal-on-metal hip replacement systems can cause systemic toxicity and other problems. As a matter of fact, the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has proposed tighter regulations for metal-on-metal hip devices. Moreover, a recent research study shows that a number of hip devices which were bought in 2010 have failure rates of up to 50% within 6 years.

Based on studies, metal-on-metal hip device complications mostly develop in young female patients with small frames. These individuals are advised by medical experts to frequently undergo tests and MRI scans in order to diagnose potential problems.

Due to suffering from hip failures and severe complications, a number of patients have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. According to reports, Nine law firms in the United Kingdom are preparing compensation claims for over a thousand patients who were injured as a result of the substandard hip devices. More information regarding these hip replacement lawsuits can be found on personal injury law firm websites, including the New York based Rottenstein Law Group's www.rotlaw.com.

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