Abstract
Purpose: Tribological studies suggest that larger metal-on-metal articulations would produce less wear than smaller diameter components. The aim of the present study is to describe whole blood Chrome and Cobalt ions concentration after metal-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA) and surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA).
Methods: 180 patients eligible for the study were randomized to receive uncemented 28 mm metal-metal THA or a hybrid metal-metal SRA. Whole blood samples were collected pre-operatively, at three, six months and one year post operatively. Chrome and Cobalt concentration were measured by mass spectrophotometry.
Results: At one year post op, whole blood levels of the were Cr 1.8 umol/L and Co 0.6 umol/L for the SRA and Cr 1.7 umol/L and Co 0.8 umol/L for the THA group (Cr, p=0.676 and Co, p=0.08). In comparison to pre-operative levels, the post operative levels significantly incresed for all elements Cr 1.9x and Co 3.8x for the SRA; Cr 1.3x and Co 3.4x. for the SRA group, Anova regression tests showed a significant relation between component size and Cr and Co metal ions levels; the larger the component, the lower the ions levels (Cr p=0.0285 and Co p=0.0442)
Conclusions: Using these specific implants, the increases whole blood metal ions were similar to the best results found in the literature for 28 mm metal-metal THA. Results of this study confirm the good tribologic performances of the Metasul large diameter metal-metal articulations. Funding: Commerical funding Funding Parties: Zimmer
Correspondence should be addressed to Cynthia Vezina, Communications Manager, COA, 4150-360 Ste. Catherine St. West, Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5, Canada
