The use of Metal-on-Metal hip implants are still being discussed as there are several problems that were reported by patients who have had these prostheses, news reports say. The failure of artificial hip joints may often be initiated by several reasons such as loosening, infection and dislocation, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. There are different factors that may result this kind of problem, however most patients may have their implants for a long time before it fails. Orthopedic experts are making studies to recognize possible ways to improve hip implant quality and prevent failure of prosthesis from occurring.
Wear and tear is a risk that all hip implants have, orthopedic specialists believe, but there are ways to delay this problem. Revision surgery is often earlier for younger and active individuals than those who are not. It is then important to inform patients of these risk factors. It may be possible to delay a hip revision procedure but some health experts believe that it may cause more problems. Still, this decision may be hard for most patients.
These are the following reasons why patients get their hip replacements revised:
- Loosening
o This is the most common cause of hip implant failure that leads to revision. Loosening may occur due to the constant use of the prosthesis. If the components loosen, then it may rub against the surrounding bone and multiplying the damage.
- Infection
o The first six weeks after the procedure has the highest risk of contracting infection. It does lessen after that specified time but patients need to remember to take extra caution when going to the dentist as it may increase the likelihood of infection. Several complications may arise when the bacteria lodges into the implant. A revision surgery may be required for severe cases but others may be treated with antibiotics.
- Dislocation
o Hip implant dislocation has the highest risk during the first six months following the surgical procedure. However, only repetitive dislocations are the ones treated with a hip revision surgery.
These are only some of the possible risks that patients may encounter. Men and women who have experienced these complications because of their hip implants are deciding whether to join the increasing number of cases filed against DePuy or not.
URL References:
hss.edu/conditions_revision-total-hip-replacement-overview.asp
ard.bmj.com/content/56/8/455.full
orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00510
niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/
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