Recent metal ion test

[Jimt]

I think we all need to be aware that there is always a chance of revision even with a Dr Su, Mcminn, etc...   About a month Before my surgery, i learned that my friend who is a 6 year bi lat  and part of the clinical trail in USA, needs a revision on one side.  His surgery was performed by a one of the surgeons we all consider one of the best and most experienced. 

Yet he still encouraged me to have a BHR.  He just accepts that for whatever reason his BHR has loosened on one side.  And when asking Dr. Su why it happened, what can I do differently, etc.,  he said that while it is very very rare, there is still a risk of revision.  Even with an experienced surgeon.

[Baby Barista]

My amended post above is not an opinion, it's fact. It's documented in all the research for Pritchett's peer reviewed paper on metallosis. If you read my post closely, you'll see Pat and I are basically saying the same thing:

The *vast majority* of high metal ion cases are from malplaced components. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't have had BHR surgery on Monday.

But here is where its very important to draw a distinction between high metal ion levels and adverse reaction to metal wear debris (metallosis).

In rare instances, they are mutually exclusive. One can have high metal ions and not suffer from metallosis. Just as one can suffer from metallosis and not have ion levels that are off the charts. In the latter, this occurs when a person has a in vivo reaction to the cobalt/chrome components. It is rare, but it does happen.

In closing, I think the BHR is the best choice for 99% of the population that seeks an alternative to THR. But there is in fact a very small number of people who experience adverse reactions that can't entirely be explained.

[obxpelican]

Some people have metal sensitivity, yes, and even the most minute amount of ions was going to cause a revision anyhow but that does not mean the device was putting out too much in the way of ions it just meant the person was hypersensitive to metal.

Unless the person is metal sensitive MOM hip devices do not cause issues, of course the ASR had problems unless the surgeon placed the device at VERY exact angles because of the shallow cups.

Some doctors are already doing pre-tests for sensitivity pre-op which is good.

In the end folks, the metal ion issue is a non issue unless your doctor lacks the ability to get the angles correct.



Chuck