Management of metal on metal hip replacements can be accomplished with a simple algorithm including easily available metal ion levels and hip MRI with metal artifact reducing software. After revision serum metal ion levels can be expected to fall rapidly. Metallic ion release may be related to bearing surface wear and thus serves as an indicator of the in-vivo performance of metal on metal articulations. The purpose of this prospective, controlled study was to compare new large head metal on metal hip components with established modular metal on metal and metal on polyethylene and to determine their effects on serum metal levels before and after revision.Summary
Introduction