Metasul®
The Strength of Metal-on-Metal
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Developed and refined in Europe for over 40 years, Metasul has helped over 140,000 patients worldwide. In 1988, after rigorous testing at 15 independent clinical sites in the United States, Metasul was cleared for use in the United States. In the Metasul implant, the conventional plastic polyethylene insert has a cobalt chrome metal inlay. This helps minimize wear over time, potentially increasing the longevity of the implant. |
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Patients are placing more demands than ever before on their hip
implants. Like any piece of equipment, a conventional polyethylene hip
insert can wear down over time.
The motion of a hip implant relies on the articulation of a metal head within a plastic polyethylene cup in the hip socket. The problem with polyethylene is that it can wear over time. Microscopic particles may break off and settle around the implant and surrounding tissue. The body’s immune system rejects this polyethylene debris, often causing osteolysis or "eating away" of the bone. As the patient loses bone in his or her hip, the implant may become loose and no longer function properly. The patient then must undergo major surgery once more to replace the implant. |
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Metasul offers the promise of greater longevity than traditional hip implants. The Metasul System has a metal inlay inside the polyethylene insert. This is known as metal-on-metal articulation because the metal ball rubs against the metal inlay as the patient moves. The body’s natural synovial fluid lubricates the metal surfaces. Microscopic analyses have shown that even scratches are actually smoothed over by the gliding movements of the components. |
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Rigorous testing has shown that Metasul’s wear particles are so small that they cannot be measured using the same methods for measuring polyethylene wear particles. This suggests that the volume and size of the metal particles are such that they may be more readily cleared by the body, thus potentially diminishing the local immune response that leads to osteolysis (bone loss).
As life expectancies continue to increase, so will the demand for long-lasting implants. Metasul is ready.
The Story Behind Metasul®
Information on the following depicts over 10 years experience with the Metasul technology in Europe using a variety of acetabular shell designs.
Metal-on-metal articulation A forward-looking concept with a varied past
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The metal-on-metal articulation is a technology of the future for Total Hip Arthroplasty. But it has not always been undisputed. At the end of the 1960s, it reached bottom because of poor results. However, it was possible to solve the problems with the development of the 2nd generation metal-on-metal couple with the trade name Metasul. Current explant analyses demonstrate very low wear rates. The Metasul couple thus represents an important step forward in efforts to reduce particle-induced aseptic late loosening. The Metasul technology is based on the 1st generation metal-on-metal articulation and closely follows the G.K.McKee 1950s design. |
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Metasul in the News
New hip repair promises durability
Metasul is used with the Converage and Allofit Acetabular Systems in the U.S. and is intended only for use with Metasul femoral heads and Zimmer femoral stems.
