Call Today for a FREE Confidential Case Review
Toll-Free 24/7 (866) 920-0753

Study Links Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants and Bone Loss

June 23, 2016 — A new study has found that metal-on-metal hip implants release tiny particles of metal that can penetrate into bone-marrow and contribute to bone loss.

The study was published by the medical journal Biomaterials, based on data from patients in Germany, where 220,000 total hip replacements are performed each year.

Metal-on-metal hip implants release cobalt and chromium when the moving parts grind together.

When dissolved metal ions get into the bone marrow, researchers found that they interfere with the transformation of Mesenchymal Stromal cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts, which are cells that mineralize bone.

Patients with higher levels of metal ions in their bone marrow had less of an ability to make osteoblasts, which could contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of premature revision surgery.

Metal-on-metal hip implants have been under intense scrutiny since 2010, when DePuy recalled the ASR. In recent years, studies have linked the ASR with a 40% five-year risk of revision surgery. Hip implants are supposed to last at least 15 years.

The authors of the study said the ongoing use of metal-on-metal hip implants “needs critical reconsideration,” warning that the risks clearly outweigh the benefits. Many studies have found lower rates of revision surgery associated with plastic and ceramic designs.

Do I have a Hip Implant Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting hip implant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know needed revision surgery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Free Case Evaluation


The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.

No matter what type of case you have, you may contact us with confidence by filling out the email contact form below or calling us directly by dialing toll free 24 hrs/day (866) 920-0753.