What are the Different Types of Hip Replacement Implants that are Available on the Market As Published on the DePuy Hip Replacement Website

The majority of patients all across North America who will undergo any type of surgery have a high level of confidence in the techniques and devices used in the operating room. These same patients also expect that these techniques and devices have undergone thorough research, testing, and have produced high levels of safety.

Due to the DePuy recall, patients are questioning the safety of medical procedures, particularly hip implant surgeries. Some orthopedists would even argue that most hip replacement procedures are unnecessary. Therefore, it is important that patients undergoing hip replacement surgery should educate themselves as to the types of hip implant systems that are available and compare each one in order to choose which one is best suited for them. Here are the four most common types:

• Metal-on-plastic The basic composition of this implant is a metal femoral head with a liner made up of standard plastic polyethylene. This type is not well suited for patients who are younger and more active since standard polyethylene liners are highly susceptible to erosion. Ultimately, younger and more active patients who are given these types of implants will need revision surgery within seven to ten years of the original procedure. Best suited for these types of implants are patients that are elderly and/or with lower levels of daily activity. These hip implant systems are recommended for patients who are elderly and/or who have lower levels of daily physical activity.

• Metal-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene The crosslinking of the polyethylene in this type of implant makes it more durable and more stable than the standard metal-on-plastic system. This type of system has replaced the standard metal-on-plastic system and is ideally suited for the younger, more physically active types of patients.

• Metal-on-metal Although these are the types that are currently undergoing the DePuy hip replacement recall, not all metal-on-metal implants are manufactured by DePuy. Significant failure rates have not been reported coming from these types of hip implants among other manufacturers. Metal-on-metal implants are known to produce stability and longevity. However, those with any type of sensitivity or allergy to metal should avoid these types of implants. The particles released due to friction of the implant components circulate in the bloodstream, resulting in an allergic reaction and nerve damage.

• Metal-on-ceramic This type of system has an advantage over the other types in that it is more resistant to erosion of its components. Subsequently, these types outperform both metal and plastic with regards to regular wear and tear. Although this type is less likely to cause an allergic response, it is more susceptible to breaks and fractures.

The safety of the different types of hip implants is questionable due to the DePuy implant recall. Many have learned that filing a DePuy lawsuit in the wake of the recall would be the best option so far.

However, patients should educate themselves with regards to the types of implants that are available. Patients should also talk with their surgeon to figure out with implant would best accommodate their level of physical activity, age, health, current health of their bones, and other factors.