Introduction. Pseudotumor is a known complication of Metal-on-Metal (MOM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). MRI is usually used to visualize pseudotumor formation. However, small pseudotumors close to the THA components may not be observed using MRI due to image distortion by the interaction between the metallic objects and the magnetic fields. The CT image quality also degrades because MOM THA components can induce X-ray beam-hardening effects. Therefore, we evaluated contrast-enhanced (CE) tomosynthesis. Tomosynthesis is known as an X-ray tomography technique that provides images with fewer metal artifacts and lower X-ray doses for the patients. The aim of this report was to investigate the detectability of pseudotumors by tomosynthesis. Case Report. A 71-year-old woman had undergone unilateral cementless large-diameter MOM THA using a couple of Conserve Plus acetabular cup and Profemur Z femoral component (Wright Medical, Memphis, Tennessee) for primary arthritis of the left hip at our hospital. She presented with severe hip, groin and buttock pain and swelling at fifteen months after surgery. Therefore, she was examined MRI and tomosynthesis using Sonialvision-Safire X-ray Radiography/Fluoroscopy System (Shimadzu Corporation, Japan). Plain tomosynthesis was obtained before the contrast media injection and followed by CE-tomosynthesis. Then, subtraction tomosynthesis between plain and CE-tomosynthesis were calculated in order to increase the image contrast. The subtraction tomosynthesis image enhanced the pseudotumor visibility, which was considered to be equal to that depicted using MRI (Fig. 1 and 2). However, using MRI, cystic lesions in the pseudotumor appeared as a very high signal in the T2 weighted images, whereas CE-tomosynthesis resulted in no image contrast (Fig. 3). The tomosynthesis image resulted in less image distortion and fewer metal artifacts than MRI, even in the area close to the hip implants. Discussion. MRI results in a wide variety of soft tissue contrast when imaging pseudotumors. However, MRI produces distorted images near MOM THA components. As such, CE-tomosynthesis is a promising imaging technique for detecting small, early-stage pseudotumors. Tomosynthesis also has the advantage of delivering a lower X-ray dose to the patients and providing a better spatial resolution than CT in the coronal plane

Aims

Large-diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated unexpected high failure rates and pseudotumour formation. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report ten-year results in order to establish revision rate, prevalence of pseudotumour formation, and relation with whole blood cobalt levels.

Patients from a randomised trial on resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA) (n = 36, 19 males; median age 57 years, 24 to 65) comparing a conventional 28 mm metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) (n = 28, 17 males; median age 59 years, 37 to 65) and a matched control group of asymptomatic patients with a 32 mm ceramic-on-polyethylene (CoP) THA (n = 33, 18 males; median age 63 years, 38 to 71) were cross-sectionally screened with metal artefact reducing sequence-MRI (MARS-MRI) for pseudotumour formation at a median of 55 months (23 to 72) post-operatively. MRIs were scored by consensus according to three different classification systems for pseudotumour formation.

Clinical scores were available for all patients and metal ion levels for MoM bearing patients.

Periprosthetic lesions with a median volume of 16 mL (1.5 to 35.9) were diagnosed in six patients in the RHA group (17%), one in the MoM THA group (4%) and six in the CoP group (18%). The classification systems revealed no clear differences between the groups. Solid lesions (n = 3) were exclusively encountered in the RHA group. Two patients in the RHA group and one in the MoM THA group underwent a revision for pseudotumour formation. There was no statistically significant relationship between clinical scoring, metal ion levels and periprosthetic lesions in any of the groups.

Periprosthetic fluid collections are seen on MARS-MRI after conventional CoP THA and RHA and may reflect a soft-tissue collection or effusion.

Currently available MRI classification systems seem to score these collections as pseudotumours, causing an-overestimatation of the incidence of pseudotumours.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1175–82.

Recent case reports have described V40 taper failure with clinically relevant adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). The real incidence of V40 taper damage and potential consequences are currently unclear, however. Aim of this study is therefore, to evaluate the long-term incidence of pseudotumors in a consecutive series of THA with V40 taper and identify potential influencing factors. From 2006 to 2007 a total number of 120 patients (127 hips) received either an uncemented (Accolade©) or cemented hip stem (ABGII©), both with V40 taper (Stryker© Mahwah, New Jersey, USA). They all were combined with 36 mm Vitallium (CoCrMo) heads and uncemented cups (Trident©) with XLPE inlays. 11,2 +/− 0,5 years post-op 82 patients with 87 hips (mean age 74 years, 58 % female) underwent clinical (PROMs) and radiographic evaluation. In 71 patients (75 hips) MARS- MRI of the hip was performed. 38 patients were lost to follow-up. In 81 patients (86 hips) chrome and cobalt levels were determined. MRI-investigation revealed 20 pseudotumors (26%) and 18 of them had a diameter of >2cm. Patients with pseudotumors had significant higher median cobalt ion levels compared to those without (2,85 μg/l vs. 1,32 μg/l; p=0,022) and a significant correlation between pseudotumors and cobalt levels was found. Radiographic osteolysis was associated with pseudotumors as well (p= 0,014). Neither approach, BMI, gender, age, type of stem, head length, inclination nor heterotope ossification showed a significant correlation to pseudotumor occurrence. Due to the high incidence of local ARMD in in asymptomatic patients with V40 taper and metal heads we recommend regular post-operative follow-up investigations including routine metal ion screening and consecutive MRI investigation upon elevation

Introduction. Modular neck (MN) components in total hip arthroplasty (THA) offer intraoperative flexibility, but adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) due to tribocorrosion at modular junctions are a potential complication of such designs. Serum ion levels and metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI are used to assess ALTR following modular THA. This study investigates serum ion levels and MARS MRI findings in a series of hips with MN components and differing articulating surfaces. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of 184 primary THAs in 159 patients implanted with a dual modular femoral stem by one surgeon from 2005–2013. 121 THAs had a cobalt-chromium neck component and non-metal-on-metal articulation, while 63 THAs had a titanium neck component and metal-on-metal (MoM) articulation. Serum ion levels were recorded for all patients. MARS MRI scans were read by musculoskeletal-trained radiologists. Pseudotumor grade and location were measured. Results. Serum cobalt levels as a function of time post-operatively demonstrated no correlation. In THAs with non-MoM articulation, pseudotumors were visualized in 13 of 54 (24.1%) initial MARS MRIs performed 1–40 months post-operatively compared to 5 of 67 (7.5%) performed 41–120 months post-operatively (p=0.02), and findings typically remained consistent across multiple MARS MRI scans. Pseudotumors were generally located lateral to the hip joint in hips with non-MoM articulation compared to anteromedial following MoM arthroplasty. In the cobalt-chrome MN group, cobalt levels were elevated in 11 of 20 (55%) of patients with pseudotumor compared to 15 of 19 (79%) in the MoM group. Conclusion. Generation of ALTR leading to pseudotumor formation is a concern with cobalt-chrome MN designs. Psuedotumor characteristics differ between patients with cobalt-chrome designs versus MoM articulation. Normal serum ion levels did not exclude the presence of a pseudotumor and routine MARS MRI should be included in follow-up of patients with cobalt-chromium MN prostheses

Purpose. Our primary purpose was to study the rate of occurrence and the natural course of pseudotumors in patients who had not required a revision procedure. Our secondary purpose was to see if there is a relationship between serum metal ion analysis and clinical symptoms with metal-on-metal (MOM) hip arthroplasty. Patients and Methods. We used repeated metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to screen 17 unrevised hips (mean patient age 63.0 years, 43 to 83 years) with pseudotumors and 26 hips (mean patient age 63.2 years, 47 to 83 years) without pseudotumors. Patients with 17 MOM, 17 ceramic-on-polyethylene (COP) and 7 ceramic on ceramic (COC) who had undergone repeated MARS MRI were evaluated with or without any symptoms. We utilized MARS MRI to score the type of pseudotumors using the Hart method. The mean post-operative time to the first MARS MRI scan was 30.0 months (8 to 96), and the time between the first and the second MARS MRI scan was eleven months (6 to 12). Serum Cr and Co ion measurements were undertaken at the time of both MRIs and analyzed only after MOM total hip arthroplasty. Results. The rate of occurrence of pseudotumors was 47.5% with MOM, 33.0% with COP, and 25.0% with COC. There was a significant difference in number of abnormalities between MOM and COP and COC bearing. At the second MRI scan, the grade of severity of pseudotumors had not changed in 40 hips. Two new asymptomatic pseudotumors (MOM:1 case, COP:1 case) were detected and one pseudotumor was downgraded. In 17 patients with pseudotumors, two cases (11.7%) were symptomatic and in 26 patients without pseudotumors, 4 cases (15.3%) were symptomatic, with no significance between the two groups. In 17 patients with MOM cases, only two cases with pseudotumors were symptomatic, and both cases showed elevated blood metal ion levels. However, in these series 13 cases (6 with pseudotumors and 7 without pseudotumors) (76.4%) were overtaken baseline. So there was no significance in terms of metal ion levels with or without pseudotumors. Discussion. Overall, there was the same tendency in terms of occurrence of pseudotumors compared with our previous studies regarding MARS MRI. Pseudotumors can occur in patients with COP and COC bearing secondary to corrosion at modular femoral head neck taper. This feature is similar to pseudotumors seen in patients with a MOM bearing. In general, the characteristics of the pseudotumors hardly changed. Repeated MARS MRI scans within one year after total hip arthroplasty showed little or no variation. On the other hand, in 26 patients without pseudotumors, two new asymptomatic pseudotumors were detected. Moreover, there was no clinically useful association among symptoms, serological markers and the severity of MR findings. In conclusion, MRI abnormalities are present in normal asymptomatic THA and, regardless of the type of bearing surface, the occurrence of pseudotumors suggests that it might originate from head neck junction and indicate subclinical disease

Introduction. Pseudotumors have been reported following metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, the natural history and longitudinal imaging findings of pseudotumors have yet to be fully analyzed. Our hypothesis was that pseudotumor size might change over time following metal-on-metal THA. This hypothesis was studied longitudinally using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods. Screening for pseudotumors was performed using MRI after large-diameter metal-on-metal THA. Initial MRI was conducted at a mean of 36 months postoperatively. Follow-up MRI was performed at a mean of 20 months after the detection of 24 pseudotumors in 20 asymptomatic patients. Pseudotumors were classified as cystic, solid, and mixed types. Fourteen hips were characterized as cystic type and 10 hips were defined as mixed type. There were three men and 17 women with a mean age of 63 years. Pseudotumor size was determined on MRI by manually outlining the greatest size of the mass. Serum cobalt and chromium ion levels were measured in nine patients with unilateral THA at the time of MRI. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and chi square test to compare age, gender, BMI, head diameter, cup inclination, cup anteversion, and pseudotumor type among changes of pseudotumor size. We compared the pseudotumor size for the three groups (increase in size, no change, decrease in size) using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare median serum metal ion levels over time. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. This study was approved by the ethics committee of our institution, and all patients provided informed consent. Results. The mean pseudotumor size changed from 729 mm. 2. to 877 mm. 2. Among the 24 hips, pseudotumors increased in size (Fig. 1) in eight (three cystic and five mixed) and decreased in size in six (four cystic and two mixed). Ten hips showed no changes in size (seven cystic and three mixed). We found no significant differences between changes of pseudotumor size and patient characteristics. The mean initial size of pseudotumor was bigger in pseudotumors with increased in size (1002 ± 309 mm. 2. ) than in those with decreased in size (542 ± 295 mm. 2. , p = 0.020) or no change (622 ± 448 mm. 2. , p = 0.041). The median cobalt ion levels at initial MRI and follow-up MRI were 2.0 µg/L and 1.8 µg/L, respectively. The median chromium ion levels at initial MRI and follow-up MRI were 2.0 µg/L and 3.1 µg/L, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the levels of either metal at initial and subsequent MRI. Conclusions. The present results suggest that pseudotumors frequently change in size in asymptomatic patients, and our hypothesis was verified. The initial size of pseudotumor was bigger in pseudotumors with increased in size than in those with decreased in size or no change. And we might predict that bigger pseudotumors would tend to increase in size

High complication rates and poor outcomes have been widely reported in patients undergoing revision of large head metal-on-metal arthroplasty. A previous study from our centre showed high rates of dislocation, nerve injury, early cup loosening and pseudotumor recurrence. After noting these issues, we implemented the following changes in surgical protocol in all large head MOM revisions: One: Use of highly porous shells in all cases. Two: Use of largest femoral head possible. Three: Low threshold for use of dual mobility and constrained liners when abductors affected or absent posterior capsule. Four: Use of ceramic head with titanium sleeve in all cases. Five: Partial resection of pseudotumor adjacent to sciatic and femoral nerves. The purpose of the present study is to compare the new surgical protocol above to our previously reported early complications in this group of patients. We specifically looked at (1) complications including reoperations, (2) radiologic outcomes, and (3) functional outcomes. Complication rates after (Group 1), and before (Group 2) modified surgical protocol were compared using Chi-square test, assuming statistical significance p < 0 .05. Major complications occurred in 4 (8.3%) of 48 patients who had modified surgical technique, compared to 12 (38%) of 32 revisions prior to modification (p < 0 .05). Two hips of 48 (4.17%) endured dislocations in Group 1, compared to 9 of 32 (28%) in Group 2 (p < 0 .05). Four patients of 48 had repeat revision in Group 1: 2 for recurrence of pseudotumor, 1 for dislocation, and 1 for infection, compared to 6 patients who had 7 repeat revisions of 32 patients in Group 2: 3 for acetabular loosening, 3 for dislocation, and 1 for recurrence of pseudotumor (p=0.1). None of 48 revisions in Group 1 had acetabular loosening, compared to 4 of 32 in Group 2 (p=0.02). Two patients had nerve injury in Group 2, compared to none in Group 1 (p=0.16). The mean WOMAC pain score was 87.1 of 100 and the function score was 88.4 of 100 in Group 1, compared to a mean WOMAC pain score of 78 of 100 (p=0.6) and a function score of 83 of 100 in Group 2 (p=0.8). Modification of the surgical techniques described in the introduction has resulted in a significant decrease in complications in revision of large head MOM total hips. We continue to use this protocol and recommend it for these difficult cases

Introduction. The use of metal-on-metal (MOM) and modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with potentially serious complications including elevated serum metal ion levels, pseudotumor, cardiomyopathy and neurologic abnormalities. The primary aim of this analysis was to identify any associations between the presence of pseudotumor, serum metal ion levels, and specific dual modular implant components. Methods. We evaluated prospectively collected data from 49 patients, mean age 58.4 years, who underwent implantation of modular THA from 01/2004-01/2010. The collected data spanned a 5–11 year period from the time of index procedure. Serum metal ion levels, including titanium, cobalt and chromium, were collected in 2012 and 2015. Hip ultrasounds were performed on each patient by a trained musculoskeletal radiologist for evaluation of the presence of soft-tissue pseudotumor. Univariate nonparametric tests were used to compare the two groups: Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables, and Wilcoxon two-group tests for continuous variables. For the purposes of analysis, values that were below the level of detection (LOD) were set to half the LOD. All analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance is set at p<0.05. Results. Eight of 49 patients (16.3%) had pseudotumors on ultrasound examination. The average size measured 35.05 cm3 (7.35 cm3 – 130.81 cm3). In patients without pseudotumor, the serum levels (ng/mL) of titanium, cobalt and chromium were 3.2 ± 2.7, 4.4 ± 5.7 and 3.4 ± 4.9 in 2012 and 3.6 ± 4.9, 11.3 ± 33.7 and 5.3 ± 10.8 in 2015, respectively. Patients with pseudotumor had titanium, cobalt and chromium levels of 3.5 ± 2.3, 8.4 ± 8.7 and 6.2 ± 9.4 in 2012 and 4.1 ± 3.4, 6.0 ± 4.5 and 5.1 ± 6.4 in 2015. The ratio of cobalt to chromium was 1.6 ± 1.3 in 2012 and 1.8 ± 1.2 in 2015 in patients without pseudotumor and 2.1 ± 1.2 and 1.9 ± 1.3 with patients with pseudotumor, respectively. There was no statistical correlation between the presence of pseudotumor and age, component pairings (stem, neck and cup) and any of the serum metal ion levels. Discussion/Conclusion. In this prospective cohort study the incidence of pseudotumor was 16.3% in asymptomatic patients with modular THA. The presence of pseudotumor did not correlate with component pairings, serum metal ion levels or cobalt to chromium ratios

Metal on metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) provides the potential improvement in articular wear. However, several adverse events including pseudotumor had been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was considered to be the proposal tool for detection of pseudotumor after MoM THA. In this study, we performed the screening of pseudotumor after MoM THA using the MRI. We studied 43 patients with M2a Magnum® (Biomet) and 34 patients with M2a Taper® (Biomet) of MoM THA from December 2009 to December 2011 with follow-up of 2.5 years (2.0–4.0 years) after surgery. MRI assessments were performed at a mean of 2.1 years postoperatively. Pseudotumor findings were graded using Anderson classification (Skeletal Radiol, 2011: 40; 303). Age, sex, height, weight, Harris Hip Score, EQ5D satisfaction score, UCLA activity score, and blood metal ion levels were evaluated. The prevalence of pseudotumor was 27.2%; 56 normal (Type A), 13 mild (C1), 8 moderate (C2) and none were graded severe (C3). Weight and BMI in the mild group was significantly higher than those in normal. There was no significant difference in age, sex and height among these groups. With regard to Harris Hip score, pain and ROM score in moderate group was significantly lower than that in normal and mild group. EQ5D satisfaction score and UCLA activity score showed not significant differences among groups. 3.01±3.32 μg/L of blood cobalt ion levels in the moderate groups was significantly higher than 0.97±0.64 μg/L in normal group. Blood cobalt ion levels of 1 mild and 2 moderate were over the threshold of 7 μg/L. These patients were implanted with M2a Taper, not M2a Magnum. 14% of the prevalence in the patients with M2a Magnum was significantly lower than 41% in the patients with M2a Taper. No revision surgeries were required. The patients with no pseudotumor did not show the increase of blood metal ion. Contrarily, several patients showed the increase of blood metal ion in case of detecting pseudotumor. MRI assessments were useful for screening of pseudotumor after MoM THA and blood metal ion should be investigated for patients with mild and moderate pseudotumor in MoM THA

Background. High complication rates and poor outcomes have been widely reported in patients undergoing revision of large head metal-on-metal arthroplasty. A previous study from our center showed high rates of dislocation, nerve injury, early cup loosening and pseudotumor recurrence. After noting these issues, we implemented the following changes in surgical protocol in all large head MOM revisions: 1. Use of highly porous shells in all cases 2. Use of largest femoral head possible 3. Low threshold for use of dual mobility and constrained liners when abductors affected or absent posterior capsule 4. Use of ceramic head with titanium sleeve in all cases 5. Partial resection of pseudotumor adjacent to sciatic and femoral nerves. Questions/purposes. The purpose of the present study is to compare the new surgical protocol above to our previously reported early complications in this group of patients. We specifically looked at (1) complications including reoperations; (2) radiologic outcomes; and (3) functional outcomes. Complication rates after (Group 1), and before (Group 2) modified surgical protocol were compared using Chi-square test, assuming statistical significance p<0.05. Results. Major complications occurred in 4 (8.3%) of 48 patients who had modified surgical technique, compared to 12 (38%) of 32 revisions prior to modification (p<0.05). Two hips of 48 (4.17%) endured dislocations in Group 1, compared to 9 of 32 (28%) in Group 2 (p<0.05). Four patients of 48 had repeat revision in Group 1: 2 for recurrence of pseudotumor, 1 for dislocation, and 1 for infection, compared to 6 patients who had 7 repeat revisions of 32 patients in Group 2: 3 for acetabular loosening, 3 for dislocation, and 1 for recurrence of pseudotumor (p=0.1). None of 48 revisions in Group 1 had acetabular loosening, compared to 4 of 32 in Group 2 (p=0.02). Two patients had nerve injury in Group 2, compared to none in Group 1 (p=0.16). The mean WOMAC pain score was 87.1 of 100 and the function score was 88.4 of 100 in Group 1, compared to a mean WOMAC pain score of 78 of 100 (p=0.6) and a function score of 83 of 100 in Group 2 (p=0.8). Conclusions. Modification of the surgical techniques described in the introduction has resulted in a significant decrease in complications in revision of large head MOM total hips. We continue to use this protocol and recommend it for these difficult cases. Level of Evidence. Level IV, therapeutic study

Background. Pseudotumor or high grade ALVAL (aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion) development around total hip replacements secondary to local metal debris generation – especially in the setting of metal-on-metal bearings – is a well-recognised histopathologic phenomenon. Recent work has suggested a strong genetic correlation with an individual's risk of such lesion development following metal exposure. Emerging data have highlighted a similar potential concern around total knee replacements (TKRs), particularly with increasing construct modularity. To date, the body-of-knowledge pertaining to TKR-associated ALVALs has largely been limited to individual case reports or small retrospective case series’, with no large-scale investigation looking at this potential complication. This study sought to establish the preliminary prevalence of pseudotumor or high grade ALVAL formation seen at the revision of primary TKRs and to establish the correlation between histologic ALVAL grade and patient-reported functional outcomes. Methods. Findings of 1263 consecutive patients undergoing revision knee surgery, at a high-volume referral center, were reviewed. 161 cases of active infection were excluded. Complete histopathology reports were subsequently available for 321 (29.1%) non-infective cases. Each case was independently histologically-classified using a previously validated scoring system reflecting ALVAL grade. Post-operative patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were available for 134 patients (41.7%), allowing direct correlation between functional performance and the established histopathology results. Results. In total, 23 high grade lesions were identified, including 5 distinct pseudotumors, representing 7.2% (23/321) of the cohort. When compared by histologic grade, Jonkeere-Terpstra testing yielded P-values of 0.02 and 0.03 for the Oxford Knee Score and WOMAC datasets, respectively, suggesting a high correlation between ALVAL grade and functional knee scores. Conclusions. The results of this large histologic analysis suggest a prevalence of pseudotumor or high grade ALVAL development at revision TKR surgery of greater than 7%. This unexpectedly high result may contribute clinical insight into the previously under-appreciated significance of metal debris-related local tissue reactions around TKRs. The findings herein also demonstrate a strong near-linear inverse relationship between patient-reported clinical knee performance and the underlying histologic grade of local tissue reaction. Collectively, this information may provide some further understanding of a proportion of the widely quoted 15–20% of patients who remain dissatisfied with their TKR after surgery. This result has potential diagnostic and management implications for clinicians treating patients with underperforming in situ TKRs and should prompt consideration of an ALVAL secondary to local wear debris-generated metallosis in the differential diagnosis

We previously reported the five to ten-year results of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) implant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of the BHR at long-term follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed 250 patients from the original cohort of 324 BHRs performed from 2006 to 2013 who met contemporary BHR indications. Of these, 4 patients died and 4 withdrew. From the 242 patients, 224 patients (93%) were available for analysis. Modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were collected and compared to a matched total hip arthroplasty (THA) cohort. Mean follow-up was 14 years. Survivorship free of aseptic revision was 97.4% and survivorship free of any revision was 96.0% at 15 years. Revisions included 3 periprosthetic joint infections, 2 for elevated metal ions and symptomatic pseudotumor, 2 for aseptic femoral loosening, and 1 for unexplained pain. The mean mHHS was 93 in BHR patients at final follow-up, similar to the THA cohort (p=0.44). The UCLA score was significantly higher for BHR patients (p=0.02), however there were equal proportions of patients who remained highly active (UCLA 9 or 10) in both groups, 60.5% and 52.2% (p=0.45) for BHR and THA respectively. Metal ion levels at long term follow-up were low (mean serum cobalt 1.8±1.5 ppb and mean serum chromium 2.2±2.0 ppb). BHR demonstrated excellent survivorship in males less than 60 years of age at time of surgery. Clinical outcomes and activity levels were similar to THA patients. Failures related to the metal-on-metal bearing were rare and metal levels were low at long-term follow-up. Level of evidence: III. Keywords: survivorship; hip arthroplasty; activity; metal-on-metal. Surface Replacement Arthroplasty demonstrates low revision rates and similar activity level compared to total hip arthroplasty at long-term follow-up

Increased femoral head size reduces the rate of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the introduction of highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners in THA there has been a trend towards using larger size femoral heads in relatively smaller cup sizes, theoretically increasing the risk of liner fracture, wear, or aseptic loosening. Short to medium follow-up studies have not demonstrated a negative effect of using thinner HXLPE liners. However, there is concern that these thinner liners may prematurely fail in the long-term, especially in those with thinner liners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival and revision rates of HXLPE liners in primary THA, as well as the effect of liner thickness on these outcomes. We hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between the different liner thicknesses. We performed a retrospective database analysis from a single center of all primary total hip replacements using HXLPE liners from 2010 and earlier, including all femoral head sizes. All procedures were performed by fellowship trained arthroplasty surgeons. Patient characteristics, implant details including liner thickness, death, and revisions (all causes) were recorded. Patients were grouped for analysis for each millimeter of PE thickness (e.g. 4.0-4.9mm, 5.0-5.9mm). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were estimated with all-cause and aseptic revisions as the endpoints. A total of 2354 patients (2584 hips) were included (mean age 64.3 years, min-max 19-96). Mean BMI was 29.0 and 47.6% was female. Mean follow-up was 13.2 years (range 11.0-18.8). Liner thickness varied from 4.9 to 12.7 mm. Seven patients had a liner thickness <5.0mm and 859 had a liner thickness of <6.0mm. Head sizes were 28mm (n=85, 3.3%), 32mm (n=1214, 47.0%), 36mm (n=1176, 45.5%), and 40mm (n=109, 4.2%), and 98.4% were metal heads. There were 101 revisions, and in 78 of these cases the liner was revised. Reason for revision was instability/dislocation (n=34), pseudotumor/aseptic lymphocyte-dominant vasculitis associated lesion (n=18), fracture (n=17), early loosening (n=11), infection (n=7), aseptic loosening (n=4), and other (n=10). When grouped by liner thickness, there were no significant differences between the groups when looking at all-cause revision (p=0.112) or aseptic revision (p=0.116). In our cohort, there were no significant differences in all-cause or aseptic revisions between any of the liner thickness groups at long-term follow-up. Our results indicate that using thinner HXPE liners to maximize femoral head size in THA does not lead to increased complications or liner failures at medium to long term follow-up. As such, orthopedic surgeons can consider the use of larger heads at the cost of liner thickness a safe practice to reduce the risk of dislocation after THA when using HXLPE liners

(Introduction). Metal on Metal (MoM) THA bearing as the second generation Total Hip Arthroplasty, widely came into use in Japan since 2000s. And it was expected to be able to ensure long-term use, the range of motion in the joints after surgeries, and the resistance to the dislocation, because MoM THAhad been considered to be able to use the large diameter head for its lower wear. However, there are some reports that the metal wear debris from MoM bearing surface generates the elevated serum ion level in the blood and the incidence of pseudotumor may occur subsequent to the metal wear debris. We performed MoM THA for 291 joints in 234 patients in our hospital since May 2005. But now, we refrain to use this. In this time, we will describe two cases of pseudotumor after implantation of MoM THA. (Case1) Age 64 years, female. This case showed the hip osteoarthritis on the right side, and we performed MoM THA in 2005. After that, she had slipped just prior to the three-year postoperative check-up, andstarted swelling up, hip joint pain, and the rise in CRP. Then, we performed to remove pesudotumor in 2008 and her CRP turned into negative. However, she was repeating hip dislocation several times and an MRI showed recur of pseudotumor. Finally, we changed her metal liner into a polyethylene liner in 2012. (Case2) Age 57 years, female. This case showed the hip osteoarthritis on the bilateral side, and we performed MoM THA in 2005. We had regularly measured her serum ion levels since 2009, and her cobalt level was indicating high concentration. In addition, there was shown 46ng/ml blood concentration of cobalt in her postoperative check-up in 2013. In 2014, she came to our hospital with chief complaint of the pain in the right groin, and we confirmed pseudotumor with MRI. (Conclusion). Nowadays, there have been various reports regarding the formation of mass lesion around the joint implants with MoM bearing, and the incidence rates, the methods of the diagnosis, and the treatment policies are introduced. However, they are realistically still not standardized. For this reason, we should fully understand the properties of MoM THA to perform the surgeries. And there is a need to be performed CT scans, MRI and ultrasound examination for the patients who claim a pain or the sense of discomfort in the area after surgery

Summary. The M2a-38. tm. metal on metal total hip arthroplasty showed a high incidence of pseudotumors and an unexpected high revision rate in our thoroughly screened cross sectional cohort. Introduction. After the revival of the metal on metal (MoM) bearing in total hip arthroplasty (THA) at the beginning of this century, there are now serious questions about this type of bearing. The advantage of large head MoM bearing is the increase in range of motion and stability. In our institution the choice was made for 38 mm heads. During the last few years concerns have been raised about the relationship of MoM bearing and elevated serum cobalt and chromium ion levels, their local and systemic toxicological effects and the incidence of local tumorous masses (pseudotumors). Are these findings applicable for all MoM bearings or are there also product specific issues. We present the outcome of a cementless MoM THA using a 38mm head in a unique consecutive series of 377 THA who were performed in our institution. Patients and Methods. All 351 patients (377 THA) with a cementless MoM THA (M2a-38. tm. , Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN, USA, and Taperloc® stem, Biomet UK, Bridgend) between 2008 and 2011 were evaluated. All patients were analyzed by a physical exam, serum levels of cobalt and chromium and an interview to determine if there were any complaints. An MRI of the hip was made if patients reported pain during physical activity, allergies to metals, serum cobalt or chromium ion levels ≥ 5 ppb or if the inclination of the acetabular component was more than 50 degrees. Nine patients deceased, three were lost to follow up and four already underwent a revision before the screening. We analyzed 361 hips with an average follow up of 30 (range 2–58) months. The average preoperative age was 63 years (41–88). Results. 219 patients with 235 THA (65%) reported no complaints. Median cobalt level in patients with complaints was 6.6 (0.2–173) ppb and in the group without complaints 3.7 (0.2–27.3) ppb. Median chromium level in patients with complaints was 5.0 (0.1–134) ppb and in the group without complaints 3.7 (0.2–27) ppb. On the 226 performed MRI scans, 56 pseudotumors were diagnosed and described using the Anderson classification (9 C1, 41 C2 and 5 C3). 71 hips had been revised after a mean follow of 30 months (range 0.2–50 months). Reasons for revision were because of pain, raised metal ions and a pseudotumor in 28; pain and raised metal ion levels in 15; aseptic loosening of the acetabular or femoral component in 11; raised metal ions and a pseudotumor in 7; combination of luxations, luxation feelings and fractures in 5; infections in 3 and for other reasons in 2. Conclusion. The short-term results of the THA with a 38mm head metal on metal articulation are higher compared with other MoM bearings. They show a revision rate of 7% and 10% in the Australian and England register. In other peer reviewed literature we find a revision rate between 0–13% after five years. We also observed a high incidence of elevated serum levels of metal ions, pseudotumors and an unexpected high early revision rate

Metal-on-metal resurfacing of the hip (MoMHR) has enjoyed a resurgence in the last decade, but is now again in question as a routine option for osteoarthritis of the hip. Proponents of hip resurfacing suggest that its survival is superior to that of conventional hip replacement (THR), and that hip resurfacing is less invasive, is easier to revise than THR, and provides superior functional outcomes. Our argument serves to illustrate that none of these proposed advantages have been realised and new and unanticipated serious complications, such as pseudotumors, have been associated with the procedure. As such, we feel that the routine use of MoMHR is not justified. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):17–21

Introduction:. To date, there have been few reports of the results of revisions for failed metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties (MoM HA's). These series have included relatively modest numbers, and classification of the severity of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) has been under-reported. In this study, early outcomes and complications are analyzed as a function of pre-operative MRI grade and intra-operative ALTR severity to determine their prognostic value. Methods:. This is a retrospective review of revisions of 121 failed MoM HA's performed between 2008 and 2012. Indications for revision include ALTR (n = 97), loose cup (n = 13), and combined loose cup and ALTR (n = 11). When pre-operative MRI's were available, these were graded according to Anderson's system by 2 radiologists who were blinded to the clinical results. Intra-operative findings were graded for severity according to an ALTR classification. Post-operative complications were recorded. Correlations between pre-operative MRI grade, intra-operative ALTR classification and post-operative complications were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. ALTR Classification:. Type 0: No abnormal fluid or pseudotumor. Peri-articular structures intact. Type 1: Abnormal fluid and/or pseudotumor. Peri-articular structures disrupted but repairable. Type 2: Abnormal fluid and/or pseudotumor. Peri-articular structures disrupted and no meaningful repair possible. Type 3: Abnormal fluid and/or pseudotumor. Peri-articular structrues disrupted, no meaningful repair possible, AND significant necrosis involving abductor muscles. Results:. The average time to revision was 47 months (range: 7–198 months). In cases where the cup required revision, the average increase in outer diameter was 4.1 mm (range: 2–10 mm). Average revision head size was 38 mm (range: 32–48 mm). 19 patients (16%) experienced at least one complication which included dislocation (n = 12/10%), infection (n = 6/5%), recurrent pseudotumor requiring surgery (n = 2/1.7%), and VTE (n = 1/0.9%). The pre-operative MRI grade correlated significantly with the intra-operative ALTR classification (p = 0.03), and both the MRI grade and ALTR classification correlated significantly with post-operative complications (p < 0.01). Among the 23 patients with the most severe ALTR's (Type 2 and 3), 11 patients (48%) experienced complications. Conclusion:. Revisions for failed MoM HA's can be heterogenous with varying degrees of soft tissue compromise. Despite the use of large femoral head sizes in the current series, the overall dislocation rate was 10%. The pre-operative MRI grade and intra-operative ALTR classification have good prognostic significance and may alert the surgeon and patient to an increased potential for complications after surgery

Introduction. Metal on metal bearings are used especially in hip resurfacing. On the one hand, small bone preserving implants can be used. On the other hand recent studies found a variety of local and systemic side effects, for instance the appearance of pseudotumors, that are explained by pathologic biological reaction of the metal wear debris. The detailed mechanisms are still not understood until now. Thus it was the aim of this study to investigate the local reaction of metal wear particles and metal ions in a murine model. The hypothesis was that mainly metal ions provoke adverse histopathological reactions in vivo. Material and Methods. Three groups, each with 10 Balb / c mice were generated. Group A: injection of a 50 µl metal ion suspension at a concentration of 200 µg / l in the left knee. Group B: injection of a 50 µl 0,1 vol% metal particle suspension into the left knee joint. Group C (control group): injection of a 50 µl of 0,1 vol% PBS-suspension in the left knee. Incubation for 7 days, followed by euthanasia of the animals by intracardiac pentobarbital. The left and right knee, the lungs, kidneys, liver and spleen were removed. Histologic paraffin sections in 2 microns thickness were made, followed by HE (overview staining) and Movat (Pentachrom staining) staining. The histologic analysis was a done by a light microscopic evaluation of the subdivided visual fields at 200× magnification. Results. In the metal ions group compared with the control group an increasing thickness of synovial membrane as a sign of an inflammatory process was detected. Cartilage and subchondral bone as well as the adjacent bone marrow remain largely unchanged. In the metal particle group a thickenend synovial membrane was found and chondral, bone and periarticular tissue necrosis. In addition, pseudotumors with a complete destruction of the femoral or tibial bone were found. Conclusion. The initial hypothesis has to be rejected. it can be postulated that the metal ions have a certain inflammatory and destructive activity, but in the end it is the metal wear particles that lead to adverse tissue necrosis and to osteolytic destructions associated with a pseudotumor genesis

Metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty gained significant favor in the first decade of the millennium. However, the past several years have seen increasing reports of failure, pseudotumor and other adverse reactions. This study presents the results of a single center’s 15-year experience with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty as strong evidence that metal-on-metal is going, going, gone