Abstract
In a cross sectional cohort study three different metal on metal total hip systems were assessed. Two monoblock acetabular designs; the Durom socket (Zimmer, Warsaw, In) and the Birmingham socket (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN), and one modular metal on metal total hip system (Pinnacle, Depuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, In) in patients who have received these implants in the our region. 56 patients were recruited in total. All patients were assessed clinically, radiologically and biochemically. Whole blood Cobalt, Chromium and titanium levels were tested.
The median head size used in the Birmingham group was 52mm (Range 44mm to 56mm), and in the Durom group, 48mm (Range 42 to 54mm). The median head size used in the modular Pinnacle group was 40mm (Range 36–44mm).
The blood metal ions levels in the larger non modular acetabular sockets were significantly raised compared to the Pinnacle group. For Co 1.95 µg/l and 2.70 µg/l in the Durom and Birmingham groups respectively compared to only 0.52 µg/l in the Pinnacle group (P< 0.001). Mean Cr levels were the same for the two monoblock systems, 1.9 µg/l compared to the Pinnacle sockets 1.2 µg/l (P< 0.001).
Our study clearly demonstrates that there is a significant difference in metal ion levels in patients following a monobloc large head arthroplasty system compared to a smaller modular metal on metal hip arthroplasty. The smaller head size appears to produce less metal ions whilst at the same time a 36mm–44mm head size is large enough to increase hip stability and range of movement as well as decreasing the risk of impingement. In our practice we are no longer using this design and the safest strategy, when considering metal on metal bearings, is to use a modular, smaller head system such as the Pinnacle.
