Abstract
Introduction: Over the past decade metal on metal bearings in the form of hip resurfacings have been increasing in popularity and with it an associated interest in the potential side effets of elevated serum metal ion levels.
Methods: We prospectively measured the cobalt and chromium serum levels of 20 patients over a 2 year period following Birmingham hip resurfacing. Cobalt was measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and chromium using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results: For serum cobalt there was an initial increase to a peak at 6 months then a gradual decline. A similar pattern was observed for chromium, although the peak occurred slightly later at 9 months.
Conclusions: One off single measurements of metallic ion levels are of minimal clinical use, when the actual pattern of ion elevation and fall is not known. This study allows us to expect a peak at certain times following a hip resurfacing and a gradual decline thereafter.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to British Hip Society, The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
