Monday, June 4, 2012

Doctors Conclude Early Cobalt & Chromium Blood Testing is Vital to Successful Revision Surgery

Dr. Scott Ball, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacements at UC San Diego Medical Center, discusses the importance of a cobalt and chromium blood test for patients with metal-on-metal implants.
Ultimately, Dr. Ball believes success of a revision surgery is directly related to "identifying patients early and treating them early".

The risk with metal-on-metal hip implants is the potential release of cobalt and chromium metal ions into the blood stream due to every day movements. This "wear debris generated by the articulation" of the artificial joint can cause pain and discomfort in the hip, stiffness or simply a general decline in function. Dr. Ball noted that at times patients experienced a "clicking sensation or ratcheting sensation" which occurs when the "ball is riding up onto the rim of the implant".


EARLY TESTING NECESSARY TO PREVENT FURTHER HARM TO YOUR HIP JOINT

Dr. Ball believes that the earlier the issue is recognized, the better the outcome of revision surgery will be. If the problem is treated too late, bone or soft tissue necrosis (the premature death of cells in living tissue) can "compromise the outcome of a revision surgery". 

Doctors can detect cobalt and chromium ions with a physical examination and a specific blood test to measure cobalt and chromium ion levels. Some doctors perform diagnostic tests such as an MRI or an ultrasound.
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If you or someone you know has a metal-on-metal hip implant contact attorney Jon Mann at 1-866-515-8880 or by email for a free case evaluation.


For more information, also visit: FaultyHipAttorneys.com
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