New Prosthetic Device Better for Some Hip Replacement Patients

A new type of prosthetic device recently introduced for total hip replacement surgery by orthopedic surgeons at all three Southcoast hospital sites may mean longer wear and increased quality of life for some patients.

“In most current hip replacements, the prosthetic is made up of a metal ball that articulates in a polyethylene cup,” said Kevin Mabie, MD, of Coastal Orthopedics in Fall River. “Over a person’s lifetime, the polyethylene wears and minute particles enter the patient’s bones and cause inflammation, which loosens the prosthesis. With the metal-on-metal prosthetic, there is significantly less particle wear.”

“I’ve been in practice for 20 years,” said Gregory Johnson, MD, of Wareham Orthopedic Associates in Wareham, who recently used a metal-on-metal hip prosthetic for the first time at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. “So I’ve seen this loosening in patients first hand. The metal-on-metal, which has potentially unlimited wear, can be a major benefit for people in their 40s and 50s, or those who are very active, who need hip replacement.”

Edmund Carroll, DO, of Bayside Orthopedics in North Dartmouth, performs the same surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

Dr. Carroll completed a fellowship last year on adult reconstruction at the University of Chicago Bone & Joint Center at Weiss Memorial Hospital under the tutelage of Henry Finn, MD, a leader in the field of orthopedic surgery. During that time Dr. Carroll said he performed “probably 100 or more” metal-on-metal hip replacement surgeries.

The advent of this new technology is especially good news for younger patients or those who normally do heavy physical labor.

“If a person is 55 years old and needs hip replacement surgery, theoretically they will be less likely to need repeat surgery with the metal-on-metal prosthesis,” Dr. Mabie said. “Likewise, with someone who works doing heavy construction and is planning to return to work after surgery and rehabilitation.”

“An added benefit is that the metal-on-metal procedure uses a larger femoral head (the ball of a ball-and-socket joint),” Dr. Johnson said. “That increases stability and reduces the potential for hip dislocation.”

The new generation of metal-on-metal prosthetics is relatively new in the United States and their long-term effect on patients is not yet known, but physicians using the new technology feel that its advantages make it a viable option for some patients.

“This new technology may not be for everyone, but it can be a very good option for the right patient,” Dr. Mabie said. “The best thing for people who are considering hip replacement surgery is to discuss this option with their doctor.”

For more information on hip replacement surgery and joint disease, log on to www.southcoast.org/joint/.

Return to Top