Larger Femoral Head in the M2a-Magnum™ Metal on Metal Hip Replacement from Biomet

The M²a-Magnum™ Hip differs from traditional hip replacement systems in three fundamental ways:

Metal-On-Metal

When polyethylene components were introduced, many orthopedic device manufacturers abandoned the idea of metal-on-metal implants. However, with modern manufacturing technologies and a desire for greater durability, Biomet decided to offer metal-on-metal which many surgeons prefer for patients that are more active.

The more active a person is, the more friction on the joint and the higher the risk of wear. However, in laboratory testing, all-metal components demonstrated a 99 percent reduction in wear compared to polyethylene¹. So, for younger and more active patients, metal-on-metal may be an appealing choice.
Greater Motion, Stability and Flexibility

Another feature of the M²a-Magnum™ Hip that made it the right choice for Mary Lou Retton is its large femoral head. A larger head design provides greater range of motion and greater resistance to dislocation compared to smaller heads. In fact, the M²a-Magnum™ Hip offers the potential for over 160 degrees of range of motion.¹
Larger Femoral Heads, Even in Petite Bodies

There was one more very important design feature of the M²a-Magnum™ Hip that would benefit Mary Lou — its large range of available sizes that allows for better replication of a patient's anatomy.

Only metal-on-metal components make it possible for the largest femoral heads to be used for all of the implant sizes. With polyethylene and ceramic components, larger heads can only be used with larger acetabular sockets or, more specifically, larger patients. But with the M²a-Magnum™ Hip, regardless of physical stature, patients can benefit from the extra mobility and range of motion possible with a larger femoral head. Something that Mary Lou, measuring in at 4 feet, 9 inches tall, was happy to hear. And she's living an active lifestyle now.

¹ Data provided by Biomet testing. Bench test results are not necessarily indicative of clinical performance.