Metallic Hip Replacements - The Pros And Cons

Hip replacement implants have basically two parts; the femoral head and the acetabular cup. The metallic femoral head is accommodated in the polyethylene lined acetabulum. This traditional design has been acclaimed worldwide as the most successful hip implant. However, these implants are associated with a high degree of wear and tear that consequently loosens the implant, calling for a revision surgery. It was found that the polyethylene-metal combination had the disadvantage of high wear rates. In order to overcome this problem, metallic hip replacements were used. The implant has a combination of metal-on-metal which can be an alloy of cobalt, chromium and other biologically acceptable metals.

The implants used in a metallic hip replacement are advantageous in having lower wear rates, which makes the implant last longer than the other conventional implants. Metallic hips had once gained popularity due to their endurance, but could not capture the limelight for too long owing to their many drawbacks.

Metal implants too have their disadvantages. The hip replacement implants made of metal are associated with inadequate clearance and poor manufacturing tolerance; the quality may suffer due to poor selection of materials and inefficient design. Metal implants also usually cost higher than the conventional replacement implants. The level of metal ions is also observed to be higher in patients with metal implants. The alloy used may, in some cases, generate a hypersensitivity response that might need a second surgery to change it. The implantation technique of metallic implants, if not proper, may damage the hip. The hip replacement implants made of metals need to be researched more to overcome the associated disadvantages.

Also see; hip replacement glossary.

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.