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@chadessa This is an on-going issue, and the metal-on-metal implants that cause the problems are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago. Up to 40% or more of those with MoM implants eventually have issues. I was one of those - both my hips had to be revised at 5 years, and one needed 2 operations. I have been happy with my replacements for over 11 years now.
Here is what Quest Diagnostic Labs has to say about acceptable Cobalt levels:
https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TS_Cobalt_Blood/cobalt-blood
Here is a partial list of the symptoms you may experience with elevated Cobalt levels:
https://www.drugwatch.com/hip-replacement/metallosis/
A measure of 5.6 is considered "borderline" by some docs, but it becomes and issue if you are having symptoms. Cobalt poisoning can lead to very serious health issues over time, and can also cause the implant to fail, leaving enough damage to bone, muscle & tendons to make revision difficult. Some doctors may recommend chelation therapy to remove the metal, but that is a stop-gap if the implant is shedding ions - it will keep wearing & adding more metal.
If you are having pain in your hip or groin, tissue deterioration around your hip or thigh, or any of the symptoms listed in the link above, it is time for a serious conversation with an orthopedic surgeon. If your original surgeon is not experienced in doing revisions of metal-on-metal hips, you might want to seek out one who is.
How long have you been having issues? Have you had recent x-rays or other images to examine the hip and surrounding area?
Sue
Replies to "@chadessa This is an on-going issue, and the metal-on-metal implants that cause the problems are no..."
I had no idea MoM implants were ever done. Usually the metal won't erode at all but it certainly would if metal were rubbing against metal, at least a little. I had both knees replaced this year and the metal only touches healthy bone or polyethylene.
If it were me, I'd probably get a revision. I can't imagine the amount of chromium in the blood will ever go down for these MoM implants. Just my opinion. All the best.
Joe
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Sue, thank you for responding. I am being evaluated by two ortho docs, both with different approaches. Have had pain and dysfunction since the original surgery which makes it hard to know when the metal issue started. I wonder if lower levels of toxicity over a dozen years could do damage. The two surgeons I am consulting are very good doctors. However, I wonder if I should be finding a revision specialist with expertise in metal issues? I have had exrays, blood work and mars mri, with a repeat scheduled since it’s been a year. One doc may order a CT scan. The other says he’ll find out what’s wrong when he goes in. I would not return to the original surgeon.