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. 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.Introduction
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