Hip Replacement Precautions

Advances in technology have become increasingly beneficial; however,some of these new technologies can cause more harm than good.

Hip replacement is a process created to help suffering patients regain their mobility and comfort through surgical removal and replacement of the hip bone. Resurfacing hip surgery is also an option for patients that wish to preserve the bone on the femoral side rather than having it completely removed.

Patients undergoing such a crucial surgery are often concerned of the risks of potential complications and with some companies’ products having failure risks of up to 40%, being concerned is more than understandable.

Potential Dangers

Companies such as Biomet, DePuy, and Stryker are currently facing lawsuits for faulty hip replacements. Equipment manufactured by these companies have been found to be faulty in their mechanics and, in several cases, caused Metallosis from metal-on-metal wear.

Metallosis is a condition that comes from metallic debris build up within the soft tissues of the body. It is common is patients that undergo replacement surgeries and is most frequent in those with full hip replacements. In metal-on-metal replacements, parts rub together causing minuscule bits of metal to break off into the body. The debris can also enter the blood stream causing individuals to become ill.

With increasing cases of infection, malfunction or failure, and Metallosis, top companies producing these metal-on-metal hip replacements have issued voluntary recalls on equipment that is completely or partially made of metal. Stryker even went as far as to recommend blood work to ensure the safety of their customers. Majority of these companies offer alternatives to metal including ceramic and polyethylene and have had great success with these products.

Anyone that is undergoing or considering any major surgeries should always be aware of the risks and history of all products beforehand. Companies have spent millions of dollars on corrective surgeries and compensations for patients however this does not compensate for the pain, time and effort spent trying to correct these mistakes. Most dangers can be avoided through proper and extensive research.

Guest Post by Carolina Sewald

Carolina is a student at the University of Central Florida that just recently joined the Drug Dangers team to begin her writing career. Her writing focus is medical related and current events.

SeniorAdvisor.com Staff

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