Hip Implants Cause Pain and Swelling
There has been a lot of literature recently concerning hip implant failures due to fretting and corrosion at the neck/stem interface. What does this mean for the patient? It means pain, swelling, instability and limited mobility. Kent et al conducted study of the K2/Apex uncemented femoral stem, a hip implant composed of cobalt-chromium and titanium, similar to the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII. Metallosis and other adverse tissue reactions caused by fretting and corrosion from this mixed metal coupling were reported as the second most common reason for revision. Stem stability was also analyzed demonstrating significant movement against the femur (thigh bone). This stem movement can inhibit bony in-growth and lead to loosening and increased revision risk.
See Kent, M. et al. Stem migration and fretting corrosion of the anti-rotation pin in the K2/Apex hip system, The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2015
(Provided by Weisman Kennedy & Berris)