FDA Probing Safety of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

A few months ago I blogged about the FDA's concern about the metal on metal hip prothesis.  At the center of the problem was the fact that they did not last as long as their predicessors which employed non-metal materials.  The FDA is still not happy with the high number of complications associated with this device but is unsure how to remedy the situation outside of banning their use.   

Responding to concerns, in May 2011 the FDA ordered manufacturers to carry out "post-market" studies, tracking the safety of metal-on-metal hip implants in recipients. But in the NEJM article, Rising and colleagues noted that most of these studies have yet to begin and their first results will take years to arrive.

US News

Some recommendations that the FDA could make to Physicians would be blood tests, joint aspirations and imaging in patients who have health changes after surgery. Of course, this does nothing for those who do not exhibit early signs and symptoms.

Dr. David J. Marcon
Marcon Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
drdavidmarcon.com