Metal Ball and Metal Liner Choice of Hip Replacement Implant Material
Metal-on-Metal bearings (cobalt chromium alloy) were approved by the FDA in 1999, offering the potential for greatly reduced wear, with less inflammation and less bone loss. Metal bearings are available in many sizes (28 mm to 60 mm); there are also several neck lengths available. Only metal-on-metal components allow the largest heads throughout the entire range of implant sizes. Large ball heads provide increased range of motion and greater stability, which can significantly reduce the risk of hip dislocation, a crucial factor in the long term success of an implant.
Although wear is reduced, the wear products (sub-microscopic particulates, soluble metal ions) are distributed throughout the body. This has raised concerns about long-term bio-compatibility. At present these are only concerns, for there have been no definitive clinical findings that these wear products are harmful.
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