Canadian Doctors, Patients Cautioned About Metal-on Metal Hip Troubles
May 10th, 2012 tmccoy
Health Canada, the agency charged with regulating medical products in Canada, has issued advice on managing patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. In addition, the department is alerting patients of the trouble signs associated with their metal-on-metal hip implant.
The Health Canada statement was issued as the reports of problems with the metal-on-metal hip implant continue to increase worldwide.
The Health Canada statement identified the following factors for increased risk of soft tissue reactions:
- Female Patients
- Patients with components not aligned optimally
- Patients with increased activity levels
- Patients who are severely overweight
- Patients with bilateral implants
Soft tissue reactions may range from fluid collection to more extensive necrotic and “pseudotumor” reactions and can necessitate a device revision.
A metal-on-metal hip replacement recipient may experience the following symptoms if the implant is malfunctioning:
- Pain in the groin, hip or leg
- Swelling at or near the hip joint
- A limp or change in the walking ability or limited range of motion
Metal-on-metal hip replacements have been the subject of increasing concerns since the DePuy Orthopeadics recalled their ASR hip implant in 2010.
