Debris from plastic components shed from hip implants into the bloodstream, causing bone loss and loosening the device. Metal-on-metal devices pose a different series of unique problems because metal debris is finer and greater in volume. This may cause a more response in hip replacement patients. This is due to how our bodies process the metal. First off, when metal fragments are introduced, scavenger cells arrive at the scene to ingest them, however during the digestion process metal particles get broken down into ions. These charged particles begin to react chemically with tissues. This results in a heightened immune response, which leads to early device failure along with tissue damage. These symptom can potentially arise within a few years of the patient having a hip replacement implanted.

The Food and Drug Administration has ordered hip manufacturers to research these problems in patients in order to address and treat them. So far, only a fraction of the 500,000 who received implants have suffered from injuries, however that number may rise over time as more experience tissue destruction from metal ions being released into the bloodstream.

As a metal on metal hip recall lawyer, I hope you do not experience any of the painful symptoms associated with the implants. If you or a loved one are harmed, discuss your case with a Germantown personal injury attorney.