Metal on Metal (MoM) hip replacements
Hip replacement parts are normally made of metal, ceramic or
plastic (polyethylene).
Metal on Metal (MoM) is when the head and liner are both made of
metal. The majority of patients with MoM hip replacements are not
experiencing any problems.
Last year DePuy recalled a particular make of
metal on metal hip and the government's Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has made some
recommendations to patients with these replacements:
- * patients should be followed up by an orthopaedic surgeon
regularly for five years (and
- probably for as long as the hip is inside
them)
- * a blood test should be taken to check the levels of cobalt
and chromium in your blood
- * you may also have an ultrasound or MRI scan to check for
damage to the hip
Depending on your results your consultant will
discuss how to proceed and if you need to replace the implant.
This advice applies to patients who've had
both MoM total hip replacements or a hip resurfacing
procedure.
What is a MoM hip replacement?
Information provided by
Mr Alister Hart FRCSG(Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic
Surgeon, an international clinical opinion leader and
researcher for the assessment of patients with painful
metal-on-metal hip replacements.
For more information email info@thelondonclinic.co.uk