Higher Heart Failure Rates Found in MoM Implant Recipients

A recent Australian study suggests a higher incidence of first hospitalization due to heart failure among a group of male patients with ASR XL metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants when compared to a similar group who received metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) implants.

However, the authors said more work is needed to establish whether having an ASR XL implant actually causes a higher incidence of heart failure.

According to Australia’s TGA, mounting evidence suggests that because the two moving parts of a MoM hip implant wear against each other, they can release trace amounts of cobalt and chromium, especially during the first 18 months after the operation. — Jeff Kinney