ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Real Life

Investigation launched into ‘toxic’ hip replacements

Dangerous materials putting people at risk - by Starts at 60 Writers
  • 11 Jul 2017
Investigation launched into ‘toxic’ hip replacements
Getty

There are concerns thousands of people could be at risk of heart problems and dementia because of toxic material found in hip replacements.

Medical regulators are investigating the issue, which stems from cobalt and chromium used in metal-on-metal hip implants, reports News Corp. 

The toxic materials have previously been linked to a higher risk of heart failure, prompting Britain’s Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to set up an expert group on the matter.

Experts discovered the dangers associated with metal-on-metal joint replacements more than a decade ago and as such they are no longer used.

However, the ongoing effects for those who received the implants before they were cast aside are worrisome for both doctors and patients.

Last week, the MHRA said anyone who has been fitted with a metal-on-metal joint should attend regular checkups.

Cobalt is a natural element and a very small amount is usually required for humans to stay healthy.

However, too much can cause cardio and thyroid problems, along with tinnitus and nerve damage.

Chromium, which was also used in the hip replacements, can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, vomiting, vertigo and diarrhea.

The two toxic ingredients are released into the bloodstream when the metal components of the false hip rub together while walking. 

A study published this year in the journal BMC Psychiatry looked at 10 patients whose implants were being replaced and found nine had depression and seven had memory and cognition problems.

This article first published on Start at 60.

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

I turn people into art!

I turn people into art!

Holly the heart hero

Holly the heart hero

30-year heartbreak  - who killed Kerry Turner?

30-year heartbreak - who killed Kerry Turner?

My runny nose was cancer

My runny nose was cancer

{headline}

{headline}

I was paralysed at the beach

I was paralysed at the beach

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

{headline}

{headline}

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

Back from the brink!

Back from the brink!

A cockatoo proposed to me!

A cockatoo proposed to me!

Brave Ellie - 420 days in hospital for a new heart!

Brave Ellie - 420 days in hospital for a new heart!

I woke up with no hands and feet

I woke up with no hands and feet

How chalk found me love!

How chalk found me love!

Gone for 13 minutes – then my boy came back to life!

Gone for 13 minutes – then my boy came back to life!

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!