Hip replacement surgery has been one of the most successful operations performed by doctors, medical reports say. This is usually done to treat cases of osteoarthritis, a joint disease characterized by pain and stiffness. However, it has been linked to some serious problems, resulting to the withdrawal of some hip implants from the market, such as Stryker Rejuvenate recall.

A number of patients suffered chronic pain, which occurs when the tendon that raises the hip rubs against the edge of the acetabular cup. Another cause might be bursitis, in which a surgical scar crosses the bone.

Osteolysis is another problem that may transpire. After surgery, small pieces of the implant may react badly to the bone left around it. This makes old bone cells die faster than they should. Bones will get thin and fragile, and the artificial hip put in during operation may get loose.

Also during the surgery, the leg may be lengthened or shortened. A leg-length discrepancy is caused by inappropriate implant choice. Maybe the femoral component is too large and sticks out of the femur more than needed.

Last but not least is metallosis, in which metal fragments from the hip implant device may leak into the bloodstream and cause damage to body organs. Metallosis may also lead to necrosis, which is the death of body tissue.

Sources:
evertsmith.com/treatment/hip-complications/
independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hip-replacement-toxic-risk-could-affect-50000-7462640.html

If only the United States have put up a tracking medical team that monitors the qualities of the devices that are being distributed in the market, especially the artificial hip implants by DePuy Orthopeadics, a unit of Johnson and Johnson, thousands of patients might have been saved from going through the pains and suffering caused by it and even saved the company from spending $800 million from recalling the defective ASR hip systems.

The exact number of patients suffering from faulty hip implants was not monitored by the United States. However, it was the United Kingdom National Joint Registry annual report that broke the news about distressed men and women who had complaints against total hip replacements manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics against which about 10,000 DePuy ASR lawsuits had been filed for compensatory damages claims.

URL REFERENCES:
cbsnews.com/2100-501367_162-5364655.html
niams.nih.gov/health_info/osteoarthritis/osteoarthritis_ff.pdf

A very reliable study found out that over 80 percent of hip replacements done on patients below 65 years were still functioning after 15 years and a high 94 percent for those over 65 years. A patient should be benefiting from these devices, except on cases of product failures and defects like the controversy surrounding certain hip replacement brands. In the spotlight right now are DePuy products which are now the subject of DePuy hip recalls due to the adverse complications experienced by patients.

While the advance in medical technology has much to do with this increase in product’s life, there are also other factors that have an effect on the longevity of hip replacement systems. Among them are the following:

Patient’s Age. Patients below 50 years tend to be more active which adds to the wear and tear of the implants. It is not isolated to see these patients undergoing revision surgeries in a shorter span.

Patient’s Weight. Having a weight over the ideal range tends to put stress on the implants causing a faster deterioration.

Patient’s Activities. Some activities are not suitable to patients which only exert additional stress to the hip implants accelerating its wear and tear.

Reference:
orthopedics.about.com/od/hipreplacementsurgery/tp/hipreplacement.htm

The increase of vaginal mesh cases have lead many people to be aware of the different kinds of complications associated with the use of vaginal mesh. For this reason there is a legal battle currently happening. One of the most known complications is vaginal mesh erosion.

Erosion of one’s vaginal mesh is considered as one of the most adverse reaction tallied from vaginal mesh users. Basically, it occurs when the vaginal mesh device gradually moves away from the vaginal wall where it was implanted into the surrounding organs. Sometimes, this movement can even expose the mesh on the vaginal opening. This is considered a serious case because it can damage one’s bladder and can cause intense pains.

References:
emedicine.medscape.com/article/276259-overview
acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Committee_Opinions/Committee_on_
Gynecologic_Practice/Vaginal_Placement_of_Synthetic_Mesh_for_Pelvic_Organ_Prolapse

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Video

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit: A Case Overview

As more Americans are taking antidepressants like Zoloft, and as bad feedback on their side effects continue to increase, many people are seeking alternatives to prescription medications. For more information on this, refer to sites discussing the birth defects attributed with Zoloft. The good news is that some vitamins may be effective alternatives for antidepressants. studies show. Included in the list are Omega-3, folates, SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) and St. John’s wort.

Besides being helpful in maintaining good heart condition, an escalating medical results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may also be essential in alleviating depression. Based on studies published in 2009 in the journal of the American College of Nutrition, the rate of depression is lower in populations that consume an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet, which includes fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.

Several studies have presented that folates, taken in conjunction with antidepressants, enhanced the effectiveness of the medicines and have been proved to lessen side effects.

References:
• healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=703942
• womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood/antidepressants.aspx
• antidepressantsfacts.com/before.htm

The FDA issued a Class I Recall notice on Naturalyte Liquid, Acid Concentrate and NaturalyteGranuFlo (powder) Acid Concentrate. The products were manufactured by Fresenius Medical Care North America. It has been pointed out by the said notice that incorrect prescription of the subject products results to a high serum bicarbonate level in hemodialysis patients. The increased serum bicarbonate level contributes to metabolic alkalosis, a known significant risk factor linked to low blood hypokalemia, pressure, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, and cardiac arrhythmia. If these are left inappropriately treated, they may lead to cardiopulmonary arrest. Thus, Neutralyte and GranuFlo side effects may cause serious adverse health consequences that can be fatal. This is the reason why industry stakeholders believe that the FDA’s issuance of the recall notice may significantly strengthen the resolve of affected dialysis patients to file a GranuFlo lawsuit.

The dangers posed by the mentioned FMC products has prompted the DFA to notify health care providers that care and proper applications must be considered in determining the quantity of acetate, citrate, and/or acetic acid in dialysate concentrates in connection to the dialysate prescription of a patient. The FDA was, in fact, has received complaints on alkali dosing errors that occurred during hemodialysis involving dialysate concentrates containing acetic acid and acetate. During the metabolic process, these formula contents may contribute to the increased levels of bicarbonate in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment.

Physicians use dialysate solution in the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure that may occur in a hemodialysis procedure. The solution is being utilized together with hemodialysis machine and dialyzer that remove blood wastes.

But it should be noted that dialysate acid concentrate can contain acetic acid, acetate or citrate. These substances are converted by the body to bicarbonate, which in turn potentially contributes to metabolic alkalosis. These subject formula contents are typically found in acid concentrate ranging from 1.5 to 8 mEq/L. The potential amounts are present in all currently marketed dialysate concentrate products containing acetate, acetic acid, or citrate.

Source:
drugs.com/fda/dialysate-concentrates-hemodialysis-safety-communication-alkali-dosing-errors-13138.html

Almost in every sport, precaution and safety measures before and after engagement is always a must.  In biking and most form of riding sports, a helmet is the first safety gear on the list.  Helmets protect our head which, of course protects our brains, which is the central command of our nervous system.  Researches have been made regarding the importance of helmets and studies have proved that disregarding it has been the cause of major injuries and in fact death among many riders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmet use consistently has been shown to reduce motorcycle crash–related injuries and deaths, and the most effective strategy to increase helmet use is enactment of universal helmet laws.  By preventing motorcyclist deaths and protecting against injuries, helmet use also translated to economic costs saved.  In 2010, approximately $3 billion in costs were saved as a result of helmet use in the United States; however, another $1.4 billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, CDC says.

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes increase helmet use as an effective method of reducing road injuries and deaths.  The WHO reports that each year about 1.2 million people die as a result of road traffic crashes, and millions more are injured or disabled.  Most of the deaths are preventable.  In many low-income and middle-income countries, users of two-wheelers – particularly motorcyclists – make up more than 50% of those injured or killed on the roads.  Head injuries are the main cause of death and disability among motorcycle users, and the costs of head injuries are high because they frequently require specialized medical care or long-term rehabilitation.

May the endeavor be made in ordinary biking or bike races or most especially in dirt biking, putting a helmet on should be the first priority.  Putting helmets does not necessarily mean that you are 100 percent safe, it means that you have exercised the proper caution that any prudent athlete should do to encourage others to pursue the sport for their well-being and not scare them away because of your negligence.

They say things are easy “just like riding a bike.”  But the truth of the matter is that, bike racing is not as easy as it seems.  Like most sports, it requires ample training and adequate preparation.  When you join a bike race, there is necessarily a competition.  This is obviously your fellow riders who goes through the track with you in the hopes of getting to the finish line first.  However, many unnoticed adversaries can also come your way, such as slopes, the circuit itself, your bike, your gears or better yet, yourself.

When you are preparing for a bike race as a neophyte, you should of course have regular training using the bike you intend to use on the competition.  The rapport between biker and bike is almost undeniable as the land is on the earth.  Time trial is thus recommended with a target number of kilometers and time to break each training day.

The first determination on your personal training would then be the location of your training.  In your locality, you may check out your bike routes that is free from the intervention of motorized vehicles and pedestrians.  You must also decide for yourself whether or not it would be beneficial for you to train with a group or not.  Group trainings may come handy for you to observe the techniques and the strides of other bikers.  You can utilize and take advantage of many biking groups within your area which provide benefits to their members.  Affiliation is better when you want to compete.

You should also plan on your gears and equipments, after all they keep you safe.  Although, there is no guarantee on 100 percent safety and no injuries but it is better to be prepared for just like most sports, there is a physical danger that lurks around the corner.