Metal Ion release with large-diameter metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty.

Preoperative and postoperative ion concentrations were measured in 29 metal-on-metal, large-diameter head total hip arthroplasty (LDH-THA) patients. Mean chromium, cobalt (Co), and titanium levels from LDH-THA were 1.3, 2.2, and 2.7 µg/L at 12 months. The open femoral head design showed significantly higher Co concentrations than the closed design (3.0 vs 1.8 µg/L, P = .037). Compared with previously published ion levels from a hip resurfacing system presenting the same bearing characteristics, Co levels were significantly higher in LDH-THA (2.2 vs 0.7 µg/L, P < .001). This study has demonstrated that the addition of a sleeve with modular junctions and an open femoral head design of LDH-THA causes more Co release than bearing surface wear (157% and 67%, respectively). Even if no pathologic metal ion threshold level has been determined, efforts should be made to minimize its release. We recommend modification or abandonment of the modular junction and femoral head open design for this specific LDH-THA system.

A comparison of clinical results of hip resurfacing arthroplasty and 28 mm metal on metal total hip arthroplasty: a randomised trial with 3-6 years follow-up.

Two hundred and nine hips were randomised to receive either a 28 mm total hip athroplasty (THA, 100 hips) or hybrid hip resurfacing (HR, 109 hips). At 1 and 2 years post-operatively, patients with HR achieved statistically significantly better WOMAC functional scores. However, differences in scores were of slight clinical relevance with a difference of 2.2/100 and 3.3/100, at 1 and 2 years respectively (p=0.007). After an average follow-up of 56 months (range 36-72) there were similar re-operation rates 7/100 THA and 6/109 HR (p=0.655) and revision rates 2/100 THA and 4/109 HR (p=0.470). However, the types of complications were different. Higher early aseptic loosening rate was found in HR and long-term survival analysis of both patient cohorts is necessary to determine whether the potential bone preservation advantage offers by HR will overcome its earlier higher failure rate.