The metal debris shed from metal-on-metal hip implants is thought to be responsible for many of the ailments suffered by metal-on-metal hip replacement patients. If chromium and cobalt are shed by a metal-on-metal device, the particles can leech into the surrounding tissue and blood stream, eventually making their way into the lymph nodes. Research has indicated that cobalt and chromium poisoning from metal-on-metal hip implants can result in serious long-term health consequences including:
● Vision or hearing loss
● Cardio myopathy
● Cognitive impairment
● Cancer
● Tinittis
● Peripheral neuropathy
A blood test is needed to determine if a metal-on-metal hip implant patient is suffering from cobalt and chromium poisoning. If initial blood tests indicate elevated levels of chromium or cobalt the test will be repeated within 3 months. If the second blood test shows a concentration of cobalt and chromium still above a safe level a doctor will likely recommend MRI imaging to be done to determine the condition of the metal-on-metal hip replacement as well as surrounding tissue and bone.
