Metal on metal hip prostheses are made of titanium, chromium, and cobalt. When they wear out they release chromium and cobalt into the local tissues, but also into the circulation. Metallosis can result and sometimes leads to tremendous inflammation. The orthopedic community does not yet accept this entity, yet 93,000 DePuy hip prostheses are being recalled. Many of these hip replacements are requiring early surgical revision.
If you had a metal on metal hip or knee replacement and have pain in the joint, it would be justifyble to measure levels of cobalt and chromium as well as markers of inflammation.
