Canada Issues Warning for Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements

Health Authorities in Canada have issued a new warning to patients and doctors about the possible complications associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements. It has alerted patients that there are warning signs of a malfunction in all-metal hip implants.
The warning comes amid a growing numbers of reports worldwide regarding implant loosening, as well as significant soft tissue reactions thought to be the result of increased levels of cobalt and chromium ions shed by metal-on-metal hip implants.
Health Canada has warned that metal-on-metal hip implants patients experiencing the following symptoms more than 3 months post-op should be assessed:
• Pain in the groin, hip or leg.
• Swelling at or near the hip joint.
• Onset of a limp or change in walking ability.
• Limited range of motion.
Patients who experience these symptoms should undergo MRI’s and other imaging tests, possibly whole blood or serum tests for chromium and cobalt metal ion levels to determine if their implants are failing.