Connect
← Return to I received 2 hip replacements and then developed cobalt & chromium.
Discussion
I received 2 hip replacements and then developed cobalt & chromium.
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Feb 10 10:43am | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
@mayo99824 It is extremely unlikely that you have metallosis, which is high levels of metals circulating in your blood from an extraordinary exposure. This is caused by excessive wear of metal-on-metal components, and those have very rarely been used in hips since about 2010 when the problem was discovered.
But another metal allergy is a possibility. You should talk to the orthopedic surgeon about the metals in your specific implants, and whether you can be tested for sensitivity to them.
Titanium and ceramic are the most commonly used materials in hip implants, and are not frequent allergens, so you might need to consider other possible causes as well - changes in things like detergents, softeners, body soaps and lotions, medications and even supplements could be considered as well.
Replies to "@mayo99824 It is extremely unlikely that you have metallosis, which is high levels of metals circulating..."
Connect
However when metal screws are used it is a gamble. No one ever mentions the screws. Even when stainles steel screws are used, there will be nickel in them. Unless "pure" titanium is used, there is danger of a allergic reaction to nickel
As someone nearly 1.5 years out from a THR, I nearly died, I've learned a lot about metal allergies. They test for metal allergies but that doesn't include nickel by default
The lesson is to make sure you know the details prior to surgery because revision surgery can be long, complicated, and requires advanced training to do them. If you don't you could have worse problems afterward
Not trying to scare anyone, but I care about anyone that may be looking at a THR.