@ltsally At 8 years post-revision, on both hips, I have better function and less pain than I ever had with the original implants. My running & volleyball days are over due to arthritis, but I still walk, hike, bike, dance, garden, exercise and chase grandchildren...

Beginning within 1 year of my implants, I began complaining about "squeaks" when I walked, a feeling of instability, and at 3 years I started noticing a groove or divot in the flesh along my femur. The surgeon kept telling me it was all "normal" - until at 5 years he informed of the recall notice & tested me. I had high metal ions, which ultimately caused other medical issues, as well as significant soft-tissue breakdown near the original implants. At 5 1/2 years, both implants were removed & replaced.

What I have learned over time is that everyone has a different situation - there is some evidence that the smaller implants tend to fail sooner and cause more issues, possibly because the metal was thinner and more subject to distortion, which caused more metal ions to be shed, or possibly because it took less metal to cause severe symptoms in a smaller body. I am only 5'1" tall and less than 110#...

How long has he had the implants? Does he have symptoms, or is he being checked only because he has "recalled" joints? Is he seeing the original surgeon, or one who specializes in revisions? Why does the surgeon think there may be a problem with the revision, and has he sought a second opinion?

Lots of things to ponder - but if the metal is potentially affecting his health, younger is better when contemplating surgery and rehab
Sue

Hi Itsally, my husband had his 2nd MARS MRI which showed that the large area of inflammation, with debris in it, around his right hip was unchanged from 8 months ago. Dr. says this will not resolve on its own and will perform "minimally invasive" surgery to replace the metal ball with ceramic. The hip itself only gives pain when doing heavy lifting; both parts seem to be solidly implanted and have never given him trouble. Husband is concerned about generalized joint pain and aches throughout rest of his body- usually level 4-5 daily. Wondering if this is related to ion levels: cobalt is trending upward at 21.1 and chromium in 12-14 range. Dr says it is up to husband how long he is willing to put up with this situation. And now there is Covid and continuing to age- 79 in March. Good luck with making our decisions!