As one grows older, the body gradually degenerates in form and function. The skeletal system is no exception, of which posture is an indicator of one’s age. The slowing down of bones is not limited to only its form but also its functionality. This problem is common and even inevitable for each person as one ages. Thankfully, medical solutions have been developed such as therapy, medication and in cases where these do not work, implants and replacements are the answers, even if there are risks and dangers in having these hip replacements inside your body.
These implants should stay in optimal condition inside your body as if they are truly part of it. For this reason, wearing and malfunction should not be an option for them to stay in your hip for the rest of your life. But lately, there are hip replacement devices made of material that is subject of emitting metal ions as debris, when it begins to wear off inside your internal tissues. This causes pain and swelling, on the one hand, in the surrounding tissues where the implant is located. Other than that, the debris may travel anywhere through the bloodstream, affecting other organs and systems.
Knowing these risks, it is important for you to prepare yourself and be informed before having these devices implanted in your body. You first have to actively work with your surgeon or physician by knowing what type and material of implant will be used and how they decided to choose that. Is it the best for you? Does it have no risks on you and if there are, would they be tolerable and is there a solution to that? What are the long-term risks related to the procedure? These are things that you cannot overlook.
But, what if you already have an implant before you were aware of its risks? Is there anything you can do? Of course, it is not too late. For your health, regular check-ups on the status of your implant is necessary while it is inside your body, especially when you are experiencing pain and discomfort around the area. An x-ray and other series of tests may need to be performed to find out if there is a problem that should be treated right away. Other than that, you might find out upon having yourself checked that your implant device is helped by the FDA from being supplied. Information relevant to the case can be found on the website about Stryker hip device recall.
References:
fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/MetalonMetalHipImplants/ucm241604.htm
arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/surgery/mom-hip-q-and-a.aspx
