A U.S. government panel says metal on metal hip implants have little use in most patients.
There is evidence mounting that the devices deteriorate sooner than other implants, shedding particles of metal into the surrounding joint and bloodstream.
The panel that was convened by the FDA stopped short of banning the devices.
It also recommends that patients who experience any pain or other symptoms should be evaluated with an x-ray and blood test for levels of metal.
While thousands of American have benefited from hip replacements over the years, metal on metal can lead to troubles requiring surgery.
Worry over failure rates and the speed at which they were approved led to the advisory panel session.
