Dr. Joshua Jacobs, hip and knee replacement and reconstruction specialist at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush was featured on NPR Radio to discuss metal on metal hip replacement implants. Due to an increased number of complaints from patients that received the metal on metal implant and a voluntary recall by one manufacturer, the FDA has asked about 20 manufacturers of the metal on metal implant to take a closer look at patients receiving their devices.

There are many options when it comes to implant material including: metal, ceramics and plastics. In the case of the metal on metal implant, both the ball and socket are made of metal. In some cases these implants have released very small metal particles into the surrounding tissue and bloodstream due to everyday wear and tear of the implant.

Dr. Joshua Jacobs says, "The majority of patients who have these implants do not need to have them removed." He continued by saying, "They just need to make sure they have periodic follow-up with their physician." Patients should be mindful of changes in pain, numbness and swelling and seek out their physician if these occur. Dr. Jacobs says researchers are working to develop materials that will sustain everyday wear and tear in order to develop more durable implants that will last longer than the average 15 years, possibly 20 to 30 years.

Read the full article at: www.npr.org.