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Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
Hip fracture implants increase serum metal levels.
P J Høl1, A Mølster, N R Gjerdet
1Orthopaedic Biomaterials-Innovest AS, Bergen, Norway. paul.hol@odont.uib.no
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|November 15, 2006
Summary
This study found that hip screws can lead to short-term increases in metal levels (chromium, nickel, molybdenum) in the blood. However, these elevated levels do not warrant routine removal of asymptomatic hip fracture implants.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hip fractures are a significant cause of morbidity in elderly individuals.
- Metal ion release from orthopedic implants is a clinical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate systemic metal exposure (chromium, nickel, molybdenum) from two types of hip implants used for fracture fixation.
- To compare metal ion levels between compression hip screws and cervical fracture screws.
Main Methods:
- Serum metal concentrations (Cr, Ni, Mo) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
- Blood samples were collected from patients with compression hip screws (n=22) and cervical fracture screws (n=23) pre-operatively and at 3 and 12 months post-operatively.
Main Results:
- At 3 months post-surgery, compression hip screws showed higher serum Cr and Ni concentrations compared to cervical screws.
- Both implant types resulted in a twofold increase in serum Mo.
- At 12 months, while levels decreased, compression hip screws remained associated with higher Cr and Mo values.
Conclusions:
- Differences in metal ion release are likely due to fretting and crevice corrosion in compression hip screws.
- Short-term systemic elevation of stainless steel elements does not support routine removal of asymptomatic hip fracture implants.
