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How To Identify Contaminated Hip Implants?

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Posted on Fri, 31 Oct 2014
Question: I recieved a stryker trident hip implant in dec. 2004 [right hip] and 2005 [left hip]. In Oct. 2013 I had to have the right hip replaced in a revision surgery due to years of pain/weakness and popping and squeaking sounds.Within 2 weeks of the oct. surgery I developed a lump on the incision cite. It was diagnosed as a staph capitis infection. In 2007/08 the FDA wrote warning letters to the Stryker Corp. telling them that their new XXXXXXX facilities was contaminated with staph bacteria. Both my hip implants came from this facility. Staph capitis is very rarely found in hospitals. It is a type of staph that attaches to objects, lies dormant until disturbed then becomes active. As a result of my infection i had to have the hip implanted in 2013 replaced with a spacer unit that will eventually have to be replaced again. I'm scheduled to have my stryker trident 2005 implant replaced in dec. of this year. my question is : Am I correct in assuming that the initial 2004 implant was contaminated at the Stryker facility? If so ,how can i prove it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Durability of the implants.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to health care magic. I am Dr Ganesh.

1.First thing i would like to inform - if there is any thing contamination of the implants, the reaction will be immediately postoperative, not after 9 -10 years time.

2.The hip implants generally last between 15 and 20 years but often much longer. There are many still active patients whose hip prostheses were put in as long as 30-40 years ago.

3.The important factors to consider are the condition of the patient (osteoporosis or other bone conditions), general physical health and ability to exercise, be active and maintain a good weight.

4.In any artificial hip the implant materials will rub against one another. Because of the ‘ball in socket’ structure of the hip joint, the wear of the ball against the cup results in a degree of friction and this can cause wear. In a metal or ceramic cup this is less of an issue but with a plastic cup, for example, over time this wear can require the cup to be replaced.

5.When problems to occur resulting in a loose or painful implant, your surgeon can consider a second implant surgery, or revision. This is certainly possible and not uncommon.

6.So i would recommend you to concentrate more on the care to be taken post operation and follow the advises for certain simple exercises and maintain your general health ( control - blood pressure, glucose levels - only if you are suffering from any problem).

Good luck.
Hope i have answered your query,
any thing to ask ? do not hesitate to ask.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ganesh/62888
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ganesh (14 hours later)
Dr. XXXXXXX
Responses to your numbered statements:
1. There are many articles and research studies that prove staph infections can lie dormant for years as long as it is not disturbed. In my case it [capitis] became active when I had the revision surgery in oct. 2013.
2. my implants have lasted less than 10 years. Primarily because the Stryker Trident ceramic on ceramic system bagan to shear off small ceramic glass shards
and became weak and very painful.
3.I am a retired Physical Education teacher. I've exercised on a regular basis,I'm a non-smoker and am married to a school nurse who made sure we always ate healthy foods. I'm 6'1' and weigh 210 lbs. and am very fit.
4. Both the ball and cup were ceramic and was not adequately tested by the FDA before given approval to use. In 2007/08 the FDA sent warning letters to stryker about this product.
Thank you for your opinion. XXXXXXX Spillman
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ganesh (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
General possibilities.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back.

1. The information provided by me was generalised, which are seen in most percentage of the patients nothing precisely for your case.

2.The response and reliability of the prosthesis is overall possibilities mentioned in literature.

3.I have not mentioned about any particular manufacturer, it was generalised - and i have not done any study regarding the specific product.

4.When iam not seeing or examining the patient the remedies what i have given are common problems.

5.Sorry if am not able to help you in right direction. You can ask for a refund if you are not happy with the answer.

Good luck
wish you good health.
Dr. Ganesh.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ganesh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2344 Questions

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How To Identify Contaminated Hip Implants?

Brief Answer: Durability of the implants. Detailed Answer: Welcome to health care magic. I am Dr Ganesh. 1.First thing i would like to inform - if there is any thing contamination of the implants, the reaction will be immediately postoperative, not after 9 -10 years time. 2.The hip implants generally last between 15 and 20 years but often much longer. There are many still active patients whose hip prostheses were put in as long as 30-40 years ago. 3.The important factors to consider are the condition of the patient (osteoporosis or other bone conditions), general physical health and ability to exercise, be active and maintain a good weight. 4.In any artificial hip the implant materials will rub against one another. Because of the ‘ball in socket’ structure of the hip joint, the wear of the ball against the cup results in a degree of friction and this can cause wear. In a metal or ceramic cup this is less of an issue but with a plastic cup, for example, over time this wear can require the cup to be replaced. 5.When problems to occur resulting in a loose or painful implant, your surgeon can consider a second implant surgery, or revision. This is certainly possible and not uncommon. 6.So i would recommend you to concentrate more on the care to be taken post operation and follow the advises for certain simple exercises and maintain your general health ( control - blood pressure, glucose levels - only if you are suffering from any problem). Good luck. Hope i have answered your query, any thing to ask ? do not hesitate to ask. http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ganesh/62888