Metal on metal hip replacement xray

Pseudotumors from Metal Hip Replacements

What is a Pseudotumor?

A pseudotumor is a large, solid, or semi-liquid mass of soft tissue growth inside the body, usually around the hip joint.

You may be at risk of this complication if you have a metal on metal (MoM) hip replacement. Typically, pseudotumors form as a negative reaction to metal debris.

When the metal ball and metal cup of the hip implant rub together, this results in enough friction to shed these cobalt and chrome particles into the bloodstream, muscle, and tissue.

The main symptoms of a pseudotumor are pain, swelling, and clicking at the hip site. Pseudotumor formation has been associated with high blood levels of cobalt and/or chromium. These lesions or masses are not malignant, so they should not be confused with cancerous tumors. However, they can pose serious health problems.

Causes of Pseudotumors in Metal on Metal Hip Patients

There are several theories as to what causes pseudotumors to form in people with metal on metal hip implants, including:

  • Worn particles coming off of the device.
  • An increase in metal ion levels in the blood caused by debris from the replacement device
  • Hypersensitivity
MRI of a patient with pseudotumors due to defective metal on metal hip replacements

Find out now if you have a defective metal hip injury claim

Your case review is free. Find out how to preserve evidence in your case.

Symptoms of Pseudotumors

Many people with pseudotumors will have NO symptoms at all. However, for those who DO have symptoms, they may not show up until many years after the hip replacement operation. Those symptoms can include:

  • Pain around the hip or groin areas
  • Swelling, including around the foot or ankle
  • Clicking sound in the hip
  • Hip joint dislocating
  • Decreased range of motion

Diagnosis of Pseudotumors

In many cases, pseudotumors will not show up on X-Rays. Consequently, if your doctor suspects you have a pseudotumor, he or she may order a combination of these diagnostic tools in addition to X-Rays:

  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • Blood test
  • Aspiration: A needle is used to drain fluid from the joint to rule out infection.

Click Here To See a List of Revision Surgeons Listed by State

Content Reviewed by Michele Stephan – Medical Product Liability Lawyer

Michele Stephan

Michele Stephan handles defective medical device cases in state and federal courts throughout the country. Ms. Stephan has represented clients in civil litigation for over 20 years.  At mctlaw she litigates cases for clients with defective Pinnacle metal on metal hip replacements and failing Biomet metal on metal hip implants. Ms. Stephan has represented clients in civil litigation for over 20 years. Stephan is a member of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and the Sarasota County Bar Association Programs Committee. 

This page was last updated:

MCTLaw Sarasota office

Find out right now if you have a claim

Your case review is free.  Don’t wait to get help because it could hurt your case.

Google Reviews Logo

As an experienced leader in these types of lawsuits, we were confident the firm would have the expertise. However, what surprised us most was the high level of excellent customer service from the firm’s staff!

Pat R.

I can’t recommend this firm enough. They have an outstanding team that truly care for their clients…I have been awarded a fair six figure settlement.

Nate M.

When I say “they went to bat” for me…this Law Firm literally did just that. They persevered to bring the hard-nosed Manufacturer to settle and provide me some recompense for everything I had to endure which led to this suit.

Me’Chelle

Read our Client Testimonials