Abstract
It is now well recognised that adverse local tissue reaction (so called pseudotumor or ALTR) may follow the use of metal-on-metal arthroplasty, the source of the metal being the primary bearing surface (the articulation itself) or a modular junction within the construct, such as the trunnion. This is more likely seen if a large femoral head has been used. We are aware of this risk and have implemented surveillance systems worldwide to facilitate its early diagnosis and prompt management. Less well known, and silent in its initial development, is adverse local reaction following metal-on-polyethylene hip replacement.
Initially the problem is unknown to the patient and the surgeon. Typically there follows unexplained pain (due to synovitis), loss of motion, sometimes the development of a mass, followed by increasing dysfunction as the inflammatory, destructive process invades the surrounding soft tissues. Radiographic features are late to follow (focal osteolysis), unless cross-sectional imaging is considered (ultrasound and/or metal suppressed MRI) early in the process. Serum metal ions are an important adjunct in its diagnosis, and it is now acknowledged that the previously used level of 7 ppb is much higher than that required to recognise the entity. Typically there is a reverse of the usual CrCo ratio, and a recent study has suggested that a raised serum Co alone is adequate to assist in the diagnosis
Four important lessons have been learned at our center in recent years and will be demonstrated in this case-based presentation designed for surgeons in practice. It is hoped that the cases and supportive literature will prove useful in advancing the early diagnosis of this troublesome and often silent condition.
