Which Type of Hip Replacement System is Safest?

Although individuals who undergo surgeries in North America assume that the techniques and devices used have been thoroughly researched, tested and found to be safe, the DePuy recall is making people think twice about medical procedures in general and hip replacements in particular. Those who have to undergo a primary hip replacement or a revision surgery are naturally curious and concerned about which systems are safest. The following four systems are the most common:

In this type of system, the femoral head is constructed of metal while the liner is composed of polyethylene plastic. Standard polyethylene liners have largely been replaced by ones made of highly crosslinked polyethylene. The reason for this is that plastic is highly susceptible to wear. Patients who are young and/or highly active will often need a revision procedure within seven to ten years due to this issue. This option may be a good one for those who are elderly or do not engage in much physical activity on a daily basis.

The configuration is the same as metal-on-plastic devices, but crosslinking makes the polyethylene much more robust. One study found that there was more than a 95 percent decrease in wear when comparing these devices to ones in which the lining was composed of standard plastic. Therefore, these hip implants are a good choice for young, active patients and those who need to undergo revision procedures because of wear problems with the initial implants.

It was these types of hip implants that were recently the subject of the DePuy hip replacement recall, but it’s important to remember that not all metal-on-metal implants have such high failure rates. Advantages that make metal-on-metal implants a desirable option include their longevity and the enhanced stability and range of motion they can provide to patients. The release of metal ions in the body is a concern, and this can be a serious problem if the patient is highly sensitive to metals.

The most important benefit of these systems is their resistance to wear. In this area, ceramic performs better than both metal and plastic. The particles released are also less likely to lead to inflammation and reactions in the body’s tissues. However, there is an increased risk of breakage and fracture compared to other materials.

All hip replacement systems have some level of risk, so there is no easy answer to the question of which one is safest. Patients will need to consult with their surgeons to decide which one is most suitable for them. The individual’s activity level, age, health conditions, the current condition of the bone and other factors require consideration to select the hip implant system that will present the lowest level of risk. However, because we know of DePuy’s implants’ defectiveness, if you or a loved one has one, please contact the Rottenstein Law Group for a free initial consultation. You can begin by clicking hereor by submitting a contact form to the right.

ArticleSource: ArticlesAlley.com