The initial process
1
2
3
Hip bone
4
Femur
1 Socket
Metal cup screwed to the hip bone
2 Insert
Generally made from plastic, metal or ceramic
3 Rotating ball
Made from the same material as the insert
4 Femoral stem
Attached to the femur bone and then connected to the ball
Possible reason for the failure
Rotation of the ball with the insert leads to wear and this produces high levels of cobalt and chromium particles in the bloodstream
Metal insert
Metal ball
The initial process
Possible reason for the failure
1
Metal insert
2
3
Hip bone
4
Femur
Metal ball
1 Socket
Metal cup screwed to the hip bone
2 Insert
Generally made from plastic, metal or ceramic
3 Rotating ball
Made from the same material as the insert
4 Femoral stem
Attached to the femur bone and then connected to the ball
Rotation of the ball with the insert leads to wear and this produces high levels of cobalt and chromium particles in the bloodstream