Genotoxic nanoparticles are commonly known as the particles responsible for inflammation that is commonly present in patients who underwent a hip implant.
The result of the research was carried out by the researchers upon using a high resolution electron and x-ray microscopy in studying the tissue samples gathered from patients of failing metal-to-metal hip implants. The procedure was actually done to identify the causes of chronic inflammation suffered by the hip implant patients.
The researchers eventually discovered that the inflammation was a result of the oxidation of residual chromium emitted when the metal implants rub against each other and the excretion of Cobalt 2+ ions as a result of nanoparticle rust in the tissue.
In previous studies, Cobalt 2+ ions were found to be genotoxic, meaning it is harmful on a cell genetic materials’ integrity. Genotoxic substances have the affinity to interact with DNA, which is not only dangerous to people, but also increases the risk of mutation and cancer. Last August 2010, a worldwide recall of the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and ASR Acetabular System by DePuy Orthopaedics was ordered. Said recall had in fact triggered concerns regarding side effects of metal-on-metal hip plants.
Several studies following the recall traced evidences of significant health risks of the particles which include long term-disability, need for re-constructive surgery, failure of device, and tissue damage.
In a recent report released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it showed that metal-on-metal hip implants have the highest rate of failure among all hip implant devices.
A lot of experienced legal representatives, such as a Los Angeles long term disability lawyer, have more than a decade of experience in handling claims and complaints filed by victims of failed metal-to-metal hip implants in different state and federal courts, including administrative hearings and appeals. Therefore, victims will no longer worry about heading nowhere during their claims.
