Patients all across North America who undergo surgical procedures have high expectations of the procedures performed and the devices that are used in the operating room. These same patients also expect that these techniques and devices have undergone thorough research, testing, and have produced high levels of safety. However, the recent DePuy hip recall has started to put doubt in the minds of patients everywhere not only with hip replacements, but with medical procedures in general. Some orthopedists would even argue that most hip replacement procedures are unnecessary. It is imperative that all patients undergoing hip replacement surgery should research the types of hip implants to help them decide which will best suit their needs. The four most common types are:
€ Metal-on-plastic
The basic composition of this implant is a metal femoral head with a liner made up of standard plastic polyethylene. This type is not well suited for patients who are younger and more active since standard polyethylene liners are highly susceptible to erosion. Ultimately, younger and more active patients who are given these types of implants will need revision surgery within seven to ten years of the original procedure. Best suited for these types of implants are patients that are elderly and/or with lower levels of daily activity. These hip implant systems are recommended for patients who are elderly and/or who have lower levels of daily physical activity.
€ Metal-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene
The crosslinking of the polyethylene in this type of implant makes it more durable and more stable than the standard metal-on-plastic system. The metal-on-crosslinked polyethylene implant has replaced the less durable metal-on-plastic making it an ideal choice for young, active patients.
€ Metal-on-metal
Despite being the target of the DePuy hip replacement, not all metal-on-metal replacements come from DePuy pharmaceuticals. Significant failure rates have not been reported coming from these types of hip implants among other manufacturers. Metal-on-metal hip implants are associated with increased stability and longevity. It should be noted that patients with any sensitivity or allergy to metal should take caution and avoid this type of hip implant. An inflammatory reaction and/or nerve damage may result from particles released into the bloodstream due to friction of the metal implant components.
€ Metal-on-ceramic
Metal-on-ceramic hip replacements are more resistant to erosion, as opposed to the other types. Subsequently, these types outperform both metal and plastic with regards to regular wear and tear. Although this type is less likely to cause an allergic response, it is more susceptible to breaks and fractures.
The DePuy hip replacement recall places doubt in the safety and reliability of all types of hip implants. For some, they found that a DePuy ASR lawsuit was the only feasible option they have following the recall. However, patients should educate themselves with regards to the types of implants that are available. They should also consult with their surgeons about the hip implant type that is best for them with regards to level of physical activity, age, health, current health of their bones, and other factors.
€ Metal-on-plastic
The basic composition of this implant is a metal femoral head with a liner made up of standard plastic polyethylene. This type is not well suited for patients who are younger and more active since standard polyethylene liners are highly susceptible to erosion. Ultimately, younger and more active patients who are given these types of implants will need revision surgery within seven to ten years of the original procedure. Best suited for these types of implants are patients that are elderly and/or with lower levels of daily activity. These hip implant systems are recommended for patients who are elderly and/or who have lower levels of daily physical activity.
€ Metal-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene
The crosslinking of the polyethylene in this type of implant makes it more durable and more stable than the standard metal-on-plastic system. The metal-on-crosslinked polyethylene implant has replaced the less durable metal-on-plastic making it an ideal choice for young, active patients.
€ Metal-on-metal
Despite being the target of the DePuy hip replacement, not all metal-on-metal replacements come from DePuy pharmaceuticals. Significant failure rates have not been reported coming from these types of hip implants among other manufacturers. Metal-on-metal hip implants are associated with increased stability and longevity. It should be noted that patients with any sensitivity or allergy to metal should take caution and avoid this type of hip implant. An inflammatory reaction and/or nerve damage may result from particles released into the bloodstream due to friction of the metal implant components.
€ Metal-on-ceramic
Metal-on-ceramic hip replacements are more resistant to erosion, as opposed to the other types. Subsequently, these types outperform both metal and plastic with regards to regular wear and tear. Although this type is less likely to cause an allergic response, it is more susceptible to breaks and fractures.
The DePuy hip replacement recall places doubt in the safety and reliability of all types of hip implants. For some, they found that a DePuy ASR lawsuit was the only feasible option they have following the recall. However, patients should educate themselves with regards to the types of implants that are available. They should also consult with their surgeons about the hip implant type that is best for them with regards to level of physical activity, age, health, current health of their bones, and other factors.
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