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Hip resurfacing

Joint Replacements | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (27)

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

They need to identify which implant had a chromium wear surface. It is most likely one of the hips. Serum cobalt levels should also be measured, elevated levels can cause problems with your heart, central nervous system and thyroid among others. If you had a Birmingham resurfacing, these have been identified as a source of metalosis as they wear. If the full implant is what is known as metal-on-metal, both wear surfaces are metal, typically chromium and cobalt. As they rub against one another, metal ions are shed into the body - more than can be eliminated by blood, liver & kidneys. This continues until the offending parts are removed.
I'm not aware of any shoulder implants that have had this issue.
There is a process called chelation, where chemicals are used to try to eliminate the chromium from your body. BUT the wear continues to produce more - the only solution is replacement. There is no effective chelation therapy for cobalt except time -once the source is gone, your body excretes the excess.
Do you know what kind of total hip implant you have?

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Replies to "They need to identify which implant had a chromium wear surface. It is most likely one..."

I have no idea if it was a Birmingham resurfacing. Do you have any idea where I would find this information. My operative report does mention I had a Wright medical Conserve Plus. At the time of surgery I was told it was a Johnson & Johnson.