It
is likely that the recipients of a metal-on-metal hip implant have heard about
the possible consequences from the metal shavings which can be released into
the body when the metal cup and ball rub against one another during normal
activities. Tiny ions of cobalt and chromium shear off when the two surfaces
meet and those ions can lodge in the surrounding tissues or can end up in the
bloodstream. As more and more metal hip implant patients are realizing the
seriousness of metal toxicity, blood testing for elevated levels of metals is
increasing. In many cases patients have been found to have levels of cobalt and
chromium in their bloodstream which are as much as a hundred times normal
levels.
Although
slightly elevated levels of these metals are fairly normal for patients with
metal-on-metal hip implants, extreme elevations can be very dangerous—and anxiety-producing
for the patient. DePuy released a report indicating that concentrations of the
metals greater than 7 parts per billion are cause for concern. The Mayo Clinic
has set somewhat different reference values, stating that blood serum
concentrations of chromium greater than 1ng/mL suggests significant wear of the
metal implant while serum concentrations greater than 5.0 ng/mL of cobalt can
be considered toxic and also suggest significant wear of the prosthesis.
Remember that 1 PPB (part per billion) equals 1.0 ng/mL.
A
person with cobalt or chromium toxicity may actually experience no overt
symptoms from their hip implant however the long-term damage can be significant.
In addition to being used in metal hip implants cobalt is used in dental
prostheses, pigments to color ceramics, magnets, platinum jewelry, petroleum,
tires and in radiotherapy and certain industrial applications including
radiation sterilization of medical supplies and foodstuffs. The naturally
occurring mineral cobalt form is in Vitamin B6 and is an essential trace
element with deficiencies leading to anemia. Cobalt which enters the body from
a metal implant, however, is a much different story and can be extremely
dangerous.
Typical
symptoms of cobalt poisoning include stomach problems, nerve damage, thyroid or
kidney problems, disorders of the skin, hemorrhages and cardiovascular risks.
Chromium toxicity can result in DNA mutations, problems with the reproductive
system, impaired liver functioning and a possibility of elevated cancer risk.
Although chromium toxicity does not appear to result in cardiovascular problems
the metal can cause serious disruptions in the reproductive system. Elevated
cobalt levels could prevent the body from repairing DNA while elevated chromium
levels can result in DNA mutation. Cobalt and chromium in excessive levels can
cause severe inflammation in the tissues surrounding the hip implant and have
also been known to adversely affect the respiratory system.
In
fact, toxicity from cobalt and chromium can take months or years to manifest,
and each person will experience the toxicity in a different manner. Andrew
Sullo, Class Action Lead Counsel & Managing Partner of Sullo & Sullo,
LLP notes that “I have noticed that some
clients complain of extreme pain but their metal levels are on the low end of
the spectrum (1-2 parts per billion of chromium and cobalt). By the same token,
I have seen some clients with little to no pain from the hip with cobalt and
chromium which are much more elevated (in the 20-30 parts per billion range).” A
blood test is necessary to measure the levels of the metals in the bloodstream
and many surgeons consider any level of cobalt over 5.0 micrograms per liter of
blood to be toxic and anything over 7.0 micrograms of chromium per liter of
blood to be a risk to the patient’s health. Cobalt can be stored in the liver
but not the bones and can remain in the red blood cells for three months.
It
is crucial that any person who has a metal-on-metal hip implant have regular blood
testing done and also that all persons who could potentially have toxic metal
poisoning consult an experienced attorney who can provide the information
necessary to make decisions which could affect the future. Sullo & Sullo
attorneys are legal professionals who understand all the issues surrounding
metal-on-metal hip implants and want only to assist you in determining whether
you should join in the lawsuits against DePuy. It can be very frightening to
feel as though your body has been invaded by toxic metals through no fault of
your own. Sullo & Sullo attorneys offer compassion and a high level of
expertise to guide you through the process and protect your future.
