Which implant is best?

[HIPGAL]

I'm a 38 year old female who is undergoing a THR later this week for hip dysplasia. I have the choice of either a metal ball with an e-poly liner or a ceramic ball with an e-poly liner?

Anyone else have either of these?

I'd appreciate some more info.

Thanks.

 

[mikey]

I was told by an OS a week ago that metal and plastic has an industry wide dislocation rate of 5%. I don't know what metal on metal is, but I believe it to be less. I would research this if I were you, but most folkes believe you doc knows best. At your age you should check out ALL the options. You are welcome to email me personally.

 

[Vjklander]

I have ceramic on plastic, which is larger than the ceramic on ceramic. Since I'm 6'4 and 330, my doc recommended the ceramic on plastic as more stable. Ceramic on ceramic also squeaks sometimes.

 

[JudyS]

I am having my right hip replaced next week . My surgeon and I have decided on ceramic on the highly cross linked poly. I am very active and plan to use this hip for a long time. He did not want to use the ceramic on ceramic due to the squeaking. He believes the ceramic has the longest wear.
Judy
Good Luck

 

[Josephine]

All points correct and well covered. But I suggest you check out this post before you make your final decision.

How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis

 

[kimsey49]

I have a metal on metal implant and so far so good. What I really like is the range of motion and unlikelihood of dislocation. Plus they tell me it will last many times longer than the plastic / metal implant (basicly forever, it just does not wear out). Go here for some better info broken link removed: https://www.enh.org/aboutus/press/article.aspx?id=3587 Of course there is some concern regarding metal ions released from wear. Go here for info on that https://www.activejoints.com/MetalDef.pdf Oh and ceramic squeaks, I sure wouldn't want to squeak when I walk. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/business/11hip.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

 

[Josephine]

I have a metal on metal implant and so far so good. What I really like is the range of motion and unlikelihood of dislocation. Plus they tell me it will last many times longer than the plastic / metal implant (basicly forever, it just does not wear out). Go here for some better info broken link removed: https://www.enh.org/aboutus/press/article.aspx?id=3587 Of course there is some concern regarding metal ions released from wear. Go here for info on that https://www.activejoints.com/MetalDef.pdf Oh and ceramic squeaks, I sure wouldn't want to squeak when I walk. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/business/11hip.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Caution - forever is a BIG word in joint replacement! Some metal-on-plastic implants have well outlasted metal-on-metal - see here for a good example 40 years life span for a hip replacement!!

Does NOT diminish the quality of metal-on-metal however. Both are good. Very good.

Ceramic occasionally squeaks. The research is ongoing but so far the evidence appears to be minimal (latest update on that from my (medical) contacts was 3 weeks ago)

I'm delighted you are pleased with your results, kimsey. Stay positive, it's important. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and often as not influences the outcomes. Works for all sorts of things in life!

 

[kimsey49]

Hello Josephine
Of course nothing lasts forever, this is a changing world and all things change with time. I simply was relaying my OS comments to me that the metal on metal would take a pretty good beating compared with the other choices out there. I feel fortunate to have some say as to the choice for my implant. I've heard that this is not the case in many places. As far as range of motion, nothing feels different. The implant feels like a real hip (yipee). I am getting stronger every day and look forward to my new life with my new hip! For those of you waiting to have this surgery, run don't walk to get this procedure, it is truly life changing.

 

[Josephine]

Your OS was spot on, kimsey. No worries. And I concur with your last sentence. It so saddens me to see people putting it off for ages because they focus on the negative stuff rather than the positive which is sad.

I have a friend whose husband was scheduled for a hip replacement early last year. I gave them the link to this website but all he would see was all the 'I've got a problem' threads and steadfastly refused to contemplate proceeding with the op. But now, one year later, pain is forcing him to have it and he is scheduled for next month. Sad thing is, he's spent a whole year being unable to tend his beloved garden (they live in Spain) and suffering bad pain. I'm just hoping and praying his recovery will be quick and uncomplicated. His garden needs him!

 

[kimsey49]

Josephine,
You are very kind and encouraging to those fortunate enough to find this web site. Thank you for being a good person with a selfless character. The world would be a better place if we had more souls like you!

 

[Josephine]

 

[Stanj]

One type of joint surface to hold off on until the problem is resolved it the Ceramic on Ceramic by Stryker. There are hundreds of cases of abnormal wear, squeaking. Even the femur ball shattering with great force. Recent research into this suggests a strain of bacteria is related to the squeaking, and discolored streaks are found on the squeaking balls after removal and these are byproducts of the bacteria. The Stryker plant failed an FDA inspection that was made after complaints of staph infections. Soom of their production equipment was found to have been contaminated with the bacteria.
There is a class-action suit forming now. Apparently only the Stryker models are involved or suspected

 

[JudyS]

Very scarey stuff, thanks for sharing
Judy in Ca

 

[bnew]

Hi, Hipgal, I am 37 and just had my left hip done for hip dysplasia also. My doctor recommended the ceramic on ceramic. I am only 4 weeks out so am still just trying to recover and feel like I'm somewhat back to normal.
Good luck with your surgery,
Bridget

 

[oldrunner]

I was told by an OS a week ago that metal and plastic has an industry wide dislocation rate of 5%. I don't know what metal on metal is, but I believe it to be less. I would research this if I were you, but most folkes believe you doc knows best. At your age you should check out ALL the options. You are welcome to email me personally.

I believe the M on M or C on M would last much longer which is preferable for 60 or younger group. There is some risk of Ceramic fracturing but I think fairly low with newer materials. Also some risk of squeek but not mechanical/pain risk I know of. M on M great for long term if not alergic.

Good luck
Rich

 

[bnew]

apparently I have metal on ceramic. I thought he had said c on c at the dr. appt, but he actually told my family after surgery that it is m on c. Hopefully this one will last longer.
Bridget