The Food and Drug Administration has concerns regarding metal-on-metal hip implants due to the myriad of negative effects they have had on people in the US in the past decade.
 
According to a report from the FDA, "Almost 16,800 adverse events associated with metal-on-metal hip implants were reported in the US from 2000-2011."
 
In metal-on-metal implants, the metal ball and the metal cup rub against each other during physical activity. The FDA reported that “some tiny metal particles may wear off of the device and enter into the space around the implant. Some of the metal ions from the metal implant or from the metal particles may even get into the bloodstream.”
 
If metal particles get into the bloodstream, further damage can occur in the heart and the nervous system. According to the FDA, some symptoms that can occur when metal-on-metal hip implants are not functioning properly include:

• Pain in the groin, hip or leg
• Swelling at or near the hip joint
• A limp or a change in walking ability

 
Those who have these implants should also pay attention to other health concerns, including:

• chest pain and shortness of breath
• numbness, weakness, or a change in vision or hearing
• fatigue, feeling cold, and/or weight gain
• a change in urination habits

 
If you had a metal-on-metal hip replacement and experience any of the above symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.