What Happened
Jarome Iginla says he is dealing with health problems that he believes may be neurological and possibly linked to metal toxins from a reaction to cobalt in his hip implant. The 49-year-old Hall of Famer had hip replacement surgery a few years ago. He says complications and the medications that followed have affected his energy levels, weight and speech. Iginla also says he has high mercury levels and is trying to bring them down while working out whether they are connected to cobalt poisoning.
Key Details
- Iginla, 49, spoke from his home in Lake Country, B.C.
- He had hip replacement surgery a few years ago.
- He says the cause of his issues is not entirely clear to him.
- Complications and medications have affected his energy, weight and speech.
- He also has elevated mercury levels and is working to reduce them.
- Iginla played more than 1,600 NHL games and is a Hockey Hall of Famer.
What It Means
Iginla is one of the most decorated players in Flames history, and his health update comes years after a career built on playing through injuries. He did not offer a diagnosis or timeline, saying he is not certain of the cause. The source notes general concerns that cobalt-chromium components in some hip implants can release metal ions through wear or corrosion.
What's Next
Iginla said he is working to lower his mercury levels and trying to determine whether they are related to cobalt poisoning. No timeline for his health or any further medical updates was provided.