The newest improvement in metal-on-metal hip replacement is the Magnum head, or very large head hip. This prosthesis uses a thin but strong metal cup with a head only 6 mm larger than the head or ball component. The size of the heads vary from 42 to 54 millimeters, and are much closer to the size of the natural femoral head.
Patients with this newer prosthesis have reported a more “natural” feeling hip and better range-of-motion. This allows maximum range of motion and full activity with the largest head possible for each patient. This larger ball has a number of advantages including a lower chance of dislocation. It can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
It is appropriate for younger patients who require a high impact hip. Dr. Waldman was one of the first surgeons on the East Coast given access to this prosthesis and has used it extensively.
Though the Magnum prosthesis is FDA approved, the procedure is new and the long-term record isn't known yet. For this reason, Dr. Waldman in involved in a long-term follow-up study to record and provide to the public proven research on the longevity of this prosthesis and procedure. At this point he has performed over 100 Magnum hips with no long term or permanent complications.