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Hip revision due to metal on metal ions.
My husband has two great Metal on Metal (MoM) hips from 2008 and 2010. He and surgeon chose these types of replacements as being appropriate for an athletic person, and he has been able to downhill ski with them. Now he has rising levels of chromium and cobalt, released from friction between the metal surfaces, and many aches and pains throughout body. There is an "impressive" pocket of inflammatory fluid around one hip joint (where metal ions are being released) and we are being advised to have a revision where one of the metal parts is replaced with ceramic. This is pending another blood test and a MARS MRI in 5 months. Appreciate hearing from any others with this experience. Thank you.
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After reading all these comments, I guess I should actively research finding a surgeon who has done a lot of revisions. How did you go about finding a surgeon who has done many revisions.? What is considered a lot? Currently I am limited to surgeons in my HMO although I suppose I could switch my insurance but that would end up costing me a lot of money since currently I get insurance from my union and the premiums are very low. Thanks for any advice you can give.
You ask...and ask...and ask! In my case, the hospitalist (in hospital Internist) who cared for me after my first hip revision (replacement actually) when the surgeon ignored complications flatly told me to find a different surgeon to do the next scheduled revision on the other hip, and gave me a list of names to contact. When I needed a new hand surgeon after my carefully chosen one relocated, I called my hand therapist. In both cases I ended up with the best! Docs and therapists know who the good docs are.
Also, most insurers have a process in place for out-of-network care when the right doctor isn't available within. Check it out.
Sue
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2 ReactionsThank you for the good advice stay safe and healthy
The surgeon was recommended by my daughter, and I researched his bio. He was the only one who specialized in "complex hip revision" which I think I need.
You need to find someone who specializes in hips. Many orthopedic doctors I researched do shoulders, knees, etc. with an occasional hip. I think choosing one of them put me in the position I am now.
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2 ReactionsWho was your surgeon?
I'm a 75 yr old woman, had right metal implant 2009,left ceramic2019.. lost rom in 2020 of right hip, even biking not good so after many drs, tests etc found cobalt /chromium, now at 13 ( started at 6) cobalt.. since it was shutdown no surgery being done i put it off but now have pain posterior upper thigh near head of femur, can actually cause knee locking if i turn leg wrong way
Assuming joint needs to be revised but wondering how rehab goes? Just did a great fall onto kneecaps recently but xray showed no fracture! It's frightening when knee locks, stops me dead in my tracks so really hesitant about surgery tho dr says hip first! I dread not driving etc as i have disabled daughter to care for, so big question, when is right time for revision as this is year 16 for metal implant..
Thank you all!! Mina
That’s a complicated one.
I would think you would need the surgery ASAP….but you are going to need to take the time to find the right surgeon to get you a good outcome.
Find the absolute best hip revision specialist you can …and say your prayers and do your PT.
Good luck