Metallosis is a side effect that can be caused by faulty or defective metal-on-metal hip replacements. If left untreated, it can cause long-term health problems.
The Definition of Metallosis
Metallosis is when metal debris builds up in the body’s tissue. This metal build up causes the area of the metal implant to become inflamed and sore. It can cause damage to bone and tissue, and negatively affect your nervous system.
While metallosis is not always life threatening it can cause Osteolysis and lead towards other serious health problems.
The potential risks of a faulty metal-on-metal hip replacement:
- Metallosis
- Osteolysis: weakening of healthy bones
- Nerve damage
- Future hip replacement surgeries
- Hip dislocation
- More common health problems caused by defective hip implants
Ways You Can Determine if You Have Metallosis
If you have a metal-on-metal hip replacement, there are signs you can check to find out if you have metallosis.
1. Inspect the Area for Inflammation or Tenderness
Early signs of metallosis cause the tissue surrounding the hip implant to become inflamed. It can also cause swelling.
2. Suffering Constant Hip Pain
Discomfort or constant pain in your hip can indicate your metal hip is causing problems internally.
3. Implant Is Loosening or Uncomfortable
Faulty or broken metal implants can increase the amount of metal debris in your body tissue.
4. Visual Deterioration
Eyesight can be reduced by metallosis.
5. Skin Rashes
While metallosis primarily causes internal problems, skin rashes around your hip area can be caused if your body is having an allergic reaction to the metal components.
6. Infections
Your immune system may treat the metal debris building up in your tissue as a foreign body and react to it. Increased infections and inflammation in your hips can suggest metallosis is responsible.
7. Heart Problems
It is not common but metallosis can cause cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can increase the chance of heart failure. If you’re experiencing chest pains along with these other symptoms, metallosis could be the cause.
8. Visit Your Doctor
For any concerns you have about your metal implant, you should visit your doctor. They will be able to see if there are any health problems caused by the hip replacement. While you can look out for possible symptoms, your doctor will be able to investigate and see if you do have metallosis caused by your hip replacement.
Metallosis takes time to develop and diagnosing it early can give medical practitioners a chance to stop it from making any long-lasting damage. They can remove the metal hip and find you a replacement.
What to Do if You Have Metallosis Caused by a Faulty Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement
If you have metallosis caused by your hip implant, then you may be able to claim compensation. Some metal-on-metal hip manufacturers, such as DePuy, have recalled their products after realizing they have caused health problems.
You received your metal implant to improve your way of living, not to suffer potentially life-threatening health conditions like metallosis.
Personal injury lawyers have won compensation cases for victims of faulty metal-on-metal implants. Download our free fact sheet to learn more about hip implant compensation cases and discover if you can make a claim.
If you want to talk to a personal injury lawyer today, then you can call our attorneys at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC, on (601) 265-7766 or submit a contact form. Our attorneys have worked on metal-on-metal compensation cases and they will be able to let you know if you have a case.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.