Particles of metal inside the body tissues is uncommon but this condition called metallosis is dangerous. One might be puzzled at how this condition may manifest as intentionally putting metal debris inside one’s body is an odd thing to do. It is almost only patients with metal-on-metal joint replacements who have this condition.
These implants are usually made up of either cobalt or cobalt-chromium. These were made to take the place of joints that have lost its functionality to aging and arthritis. There are various joints in the body that artificial prosthetics can replace such as the shoulders, knees, elbows and even wrists. But the most common site for artificial replacements is the hip joint which is where the ball and socket of the hip bone and thigh bone meet. In this case of metal-on-metal implants, a metal ball attached to the femur will be fitted into the metal socket at the hip bone.
Since the site of the implant is a joint where limb and body movements originate, the ball and socket are frequently in motion, rubbing against each other unavoidably. The consequence of this is that metal debris accumulates in the nearest tissues as they chip off from the friction of the metal ball and socket. Prolonging this state will elevate the metal content of the body to toxic levels as it travels through the bloodstream to various portions of the body. This is the reason for importantly having to remove the defective metal implant.
To take out the prosthetic causing harm is the best and only answer to this dilemma. This means that the site where the implant was placed will have to be reopened to take out the defective device. This can be excruciatingly painful for the patient especially of metallosis has already reached the point of tissue necrosis and osteolysis which means the bones have also broken down. The patient will possibly have to endure a period of time of non-productivity and immobility while waiting. To know more on hip replacement click this DePuy ASR Lawsuit site.
Source: swedish.org/Swedish/media/Blogs/News/Adverse_reaction_to_metal_debris___metallosis_of-13.pdf
Check this medical device injury lawsuit site for more news and updates on injury lawsuits.
These implants are usually made up of either cobalt or cobalt-chromium. These were made to take the place of joints that have lost its functionality to aging and arthritis. There are various joints in the body that artificial prosthetics can replace such as the shoulders, knees, elbows and even wrists. But the most common site for artificial replacements is the hip joint which is where the ball and socket of the hip bone and thigh bone meet. In this case of metal-on-metal implants, a metal ball attached to the femur will be fitted into the metal socket at the hip bone.
Since the site of the implant is a joint where limb and body movements originate, the ball and socket are frequently in motion, rubbing against each other unavoidably. The consequence of this is that metal debris accumulates in the nearest tissues as they chip off from the friction of the metal ball and socket. Prolonging this state will elevate the metal content of the body to toxic levels as it travels through the bloodstream to various portions of the body. This is the reason for importantly having to remove the defective metal implant.
To take out the prosthetic causing harm is the best and only answer to this dilemma. This means that the site where the implant was placed will have to be reopened to take out the defective device. This can be excruciatingly painful for the patient especially of metallosis has already reached the point of tissue necrosis and osteolysis which means the bones have also broken down. The patient will possibly have to endure a period of time of non-productivity and immobility while waiting. To know more on hip replacement click this DePuy ASR Lawsuit site.
Source: swedish.org/Swedish/media/Blogs/News/Adverse_reaction_to_metal_debris___metallosis_of-13.pdf
Check this medical device injury lawsuit site for more news and updates on injury lawsuits.
