Early problem detection may lead to better outcomes after metal-on-metal implant revision
Orthopedics Today interviews Douglas E. Padgett, MD, associate surgeon-in-chief at HSS, on how early problem detection could lead to stronger outcomes after a metal-on-metal implant revision.
Dr. Padgett explains that surgeons have mostly abandoned the use of metal-on-metal total hip replacements and are using other bearings such as crosslinked polyethylenes. However. there are a lot of patients who underwent this type of procedure in the mid 2000s.
If a patient's symptoms can be attributed to a metal-on-metal implant, Dr. Padgett recommends replacing the implant with one without cobalt and chromium. He personally favors the use of femoral head implants manufactured with ceramic materials.
Regardless of if a patient is complaining about his or her implant, Dr. Padgett always establishes a baseline of overall function in patients who had a prior hip replacement or resurfacing with metal-on-metal implant.
“All patients will get standard radiographic series whether they have symptoms or not, and then I am a big advocate of establishing a baseline for how the joint is performing and whether or not there is any local body reaction to the presence of this metal-on-metal bearing,” Padgett said.
Read the full article at Healio.com. This is also the cover story of the March 2020 print edition.