Metal Hip Replacements - Metal Sheen, Metal Strength!

Hips damaged by arthritis or injury cause excruciating pain, hampering the everyday activities of life. Metals that replace bone are stronger, providing flexible movements at the hips. Metal hip replacements have long been practiced and simultaneous refining is done with each breakthrough in the field. There are many metals tried for the better suitability to the living tissue. The commonly used metals are chromium, nickel, cobalt and titanium. The proportion of metals may differ in various alloys used for designing the replacement.

The femoral head is the ball component of ball and socket hip joints. The femoral metal ball is accommodated and moves against the acetabular socket. Conventional replacement implants have a femoral ball of diameter lesser than the natural hip joint. The newer implants have a ball size that is nearly equal to the natural size of the hips giving a normal feel to the joint. Metal hip replacement are more advantageous than many other implants.

Metal implant replacements with a bigger head decrease the risk of dislocation and provides greater surface area for a better range of motion. The most notable difference is seen in the gait of the patient. Metal implants render almost no change in gait, whereas other implants produce a permanent change in gait. The metal femoral component does not require much bone space to anchor to, so the bone stock is preserved during the surface preparation for the replacement implant. Metal implants, by virtue of their innate strength, are strong and robust. These properties make it a better choice for people interested in long term goals.

Also see; hip replacement treatment.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointed expert.