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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
08:43
Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
[Chronic cobalt poisoning in endoprosthetic replacement]
W Steens1, J F Loehr, G von Foerster
1ENDO-Klinik, Holstenstrasse 2, 22767 Hamburg. wsteens@gmx.de
Der Orthopade
|June 13, 2006
Summary
Chronic cobalt poisoning from hip implants can cause severe vision and hearing loss. Treatment involves chelation therapy to remove toxic metal elements.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Toxicology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty revisions can involve complex material interactions.
- Ceramic-metal articulations in hip implants carry risks of wear and debris generation.
Observation:
- A patient developed progressive vision and hearing loss after a hip arthroplasty revision using a ceramic-metal bearing.
- Examination revealed severe metallosis with extensive cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum debris.
Findings:
- Elevated serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum were detected, indicating systemic toxicity.
- The metal femoral head showed significant deterioration, and the ceramic inlay was fractured, contributing to metal ion release.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe systemic toxicity, including neurological deficits, from implant wear debris.
- Chelation therapy with EDTA or BAL/DMPS is a potential treatment for chronic cobalt poisoning in such cases.
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