Loosening of Hip Replacements becoming more Common


Over the past decade surgeons have learned newer versions of hip implants, made with a metal ball that fits into a metal socket, such as the DePuy Pinnacle, have been failing at a higher rate than traditional hip implants made of ceramic or plastic parts, medical industry publications report. In many cases most hip implants fracture, loosen, or dislocate over a decade or two due to wear and tear.But many of these metal implants, designed to be more durable than traditional implants, are failing after five years or less.

 

 According to several reports and FDA findings, there are several problems that can be associated with hip replacement systems. Hip replacement loosening occurs over time, and can cause problems with the normal function of the hip replacement prosthesis. The two options on how a hip replacement is placed in the body is either press-fit into the bone, or cemented into position. Both options are used because they fit tightly into the bone of the thigh (femur) and pelvis so that the implant cannot move.If ever the implant will become loose, the hip replacement can potentially move as well.Usually this is associated with pain and loss of motion for the patient.

 

For patients who have experienced loosening of their hip replacements, one of their only courses of action that can be taken is hip replacement revision surgery. The biggest problem with this is that, after revision operations, patients tend to recover less overall motion of the joint. The implant durability also declines with each revision.  This is why surgeons try to avoid doing such procedures as to get the most out of the hip replacement already placed inside the patient.

 

Increasing complaints about metal-on-metal hip implants loosening prematurely has ultimately led the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 to order 21 manufacturers to conduct studies on patients who have received the implants. Included in the 21 manufacturers is DePuy and its DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement system. Once these studies have concluded, the FDA will use the results to determine what actions will need to be done with regards to these hip replacements systems.

 

URL References:

orthopedics.about.com/cs/hipreplacement/a/implantissues_2.htm

arthritis.about.com/cs/hip/a/hiploosen.htm