Study: Hip replacement patients with MoM implants pass metal ions to their infants during pregnancy

Study finds elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in offspring of patients with metal-on-metal hip implants

Hip replacement patients with metal-on-metal (MoM) implants (both the socket and hip ball are metal) pass metal ions to their infants during pregnancy, according to a new study presented today at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Data showed there is a correlation between cobalt and chromium levels in the mother and those in her infant at the time of delivery.

"Although the affects of metal ions in maternal and fetal subjects are unknown, the fact that the placenta is not a complete barrier to the transport of these metals is noteworthy," said Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, Professor and Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. "As metal-on-metal implants increase in popularity and use, especially among young, active patients, women of child-bearing age and their doctors should be aware of these findings when considering their hip replacement implant options."