Metal ions may leak from some hip implants

CHICAGO, March 11 (UPI) -- Rush University Medical Center scientists in Chicago say they've found high cobalt and chromium levels in offspring of moms with metal-on-metal hip implants.

The implants, in which both the ball of the joint and the surface of the socket are made of metal, apparently pass the ions to the mother's fetus during pregnancy, the researchers said. The metal ions, they said, result from wear and corrosion.

"We don't know whether metal ions pose any health risks for pregnant women and their babies," said Dr. Joshua Jacobs, a professor and chairman of orthopedic surgery at Rush. "But as metal-on-metal implants increase in popularity and use, especially among young, active patients, women of child-bearing age and their doctors need to be aware of these findings when considering options for hip replacements."

The study was presented this week in New Orleans during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.