To determine whether there is a difference in the metal ion levels among three different metal-on-metal total hip systems: two monoblock large heads and one modular metal-on-metal total hip replacement system in patients who received these implants in our region. A group of 56 patients were recruited that had either undergone total hip replacement (THR) with a Birmingham resurfacing socket, the Durom resurfacing socket, or a Pinnacle metal-on-metal bearing surface. All patients recruited were at least one year following their surgery in order that their ion levels had reached a steady state. We reviewed every patient clinically, radiographically as well as biochemically. Blood was obtained for cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) levels. Current radiographs were arranged to assess the stability and mechanics of the total hip systems. All patients signed an informed consent and completed three questionnaires, The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) index, the Short Form 36 (SF36) and UCLA activity score. A Harris Hip score was completed in order to assess individual hip function. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data to assess whether there were any other potential influence on the mean levels of Co and Cr.Purpose
Method
Elevated blood metal ions are associated with the early failure of the Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to analyse our prospective database of Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty patients, to independently review the outliers with elevated blood metal ions and to determine whether a screening program would be of value at our institution. In 2004 a ten year prospective longitudinal study was set up to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacings in young, active adults with degenerative hip disease. Six hundred and four patients have enrolled in this multi-surgeon prospective study with strict inclusion criteria for Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty. All have received the same implant design. All have completed validated functional outcome questionnaires at baseline, three and six months, then annually. A sub-cohort of 196 patients underwent whole blood chromium and cobalt analysis at the same time periods. Metal on metal bearings have a running in period of a minimum of six months before a steady state wear pattern is attained. We chose five parts per billion for Cobalt or Chromium as our threshold value. This value corresponds to the workplace exposure limit in the United Kingdom to Cobalt in whole blood. Therefore patients with ion levels greater than five parts per billion after six months were recalled for independent review, including further metal ion analysis.Purpose
Method
