Dr. Nancy Reports on Hip Replacement Failures

" Yeah I bet hip replacement surgery has given millions of Americans like island Lewis a second chance to enjoy an active life. But there's a growing concern that one type of hip replacement device called metal on metal is -- faster than device is made of other materials. In these implants the ball and socket of the device are both made from metal those hips were going to last me twenty years I was told. But within just five years of getting this kind of implants. Lewis had to have both hips replaced with non metal component."

" So I was experiencing 102 fever every night and pain in my right hip. Much more painful and then what set me to have my hit them in the first place."

" The metal ball and -- slight against each other and over time tiny metal particles can Wear off potentially causing damage around the implant and in the joint. In rare cases the debris can even enter the bloodstream and cause a reaction if you start to get any symptoms -- on the hip. Such as pain or swelling. Then you really should consult with your orthopedic surgeon so far this year the FDA has received nearly 111000. Complaints about metal on metal implants. One model made by to you the AS RL. Was recalled in the United States last year after reports of high early failure rate. In a statement -- says. Metal on metal remains an important hip replacement option. The performance of the AS are -- system is not indicative of all metal on metal devices. Critics say more needs to be done to regulate medical devices the main problem with medical device regulation is they're not held to a higher standard as prescription drugs. This spring the FDA began requiring 21 manufacturers to examine the safety of this type of hip replacement. "