We are thrilled that the US FDA is finally doing more studies on the effect of metal implants, while also admitting that animal studies do not accurately reflect what happens when metallic implants are placed in humans. In this study, they look at the potential issues with the nickel titanium (NiTi) alloy, concluding that: "the results here demonstrated that nickel and NiTi NP can enter both types of cells, with deleterious consequences." and "there are significant biocompatibility issues in metallic implants that may be missed because humans respond to nickel ions and nano-/micro-sized NiTi particles much differently than rodents".
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Did you know that titanium dioxide - one of the most popular pigments in use - is commonly added to food, as well as to toothpaste, sunscreen and cosmetics? This year, the use of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in the European Union is prohibited due to potential genotoxicity, i.e. the titanium dioxide particles’ ability to damage DNA.
A class action lawsuit has now been filed against the Mars Corporation, maker of Skittles, due to the titanium content in the sweets. In 2016, the company announced they would be eliminating titanium from their products by 2021, but so far there has been no change.
www.forbes.com/sites/ninashapiro/2022/07/17/skittles-candy-maker-sued-due-to-presence-of-additive... ... See MoreSee Less
Can titanium clips used in surgery cause health issues? This is a case of a 55-year-old female who after a gallbladder removal experienced pain, diarrhea, nausea and neuralgia. The patient was eventually diagnosed with a hypersensitivity reaction to the titanium clips used in the surgery. Four clips were identified and removed and the symptoms improved after removal. The patient had a known history of metal (nickel) allergy, as well as multiple other allergies. The authors recommend preoperative allergy testing for patients with history of known allergies, especially those with metal allergies to prevent further complication or aid in diagnosis and treatment.
www.cureus.com/articles/94815-hypersensitivity-reaction-post-laparoscopic-cholecystectomy-due-to-... ... See MoreSee Less
If a patient has a known metal allergy, Dr. Pritchett recommends metal-free implant options. Also, if a patient is concerned about metal allergy or sensitivity, metal allergy tests can be done. He talks about his experience with patients with metal hypersensitivity, and what options patients have, on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrx9Pd8wVLo
www.seattlejointsurgeon.com/specialties/metal-free-joint-replacement ... See MoreSee Less
Metal Free Hip Replacement Dr. Pritchett
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Metal Free Hip Replacement for Allergy to metal. Made with a Ceramic Coating for Adventure Sports and in Active Patients. Less invasive Surgery For A lifeti... Video