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Updated: May 31, 2026
Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
Serum metal ion levels after rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty: comparison between a standard device and a
Joerg Friesenbichler1, Werner Maurer-Ertl, Patrick Sadoghi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036, Graz, Austria. joerg.friesenbichler@medunigraz.at
Purpose:
The effects of systemic metal ion exposure in patients with implants made of common prosthetic alloys continue to be a matter of concern. The aim of the study was to determine the measurement values of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty.
Methods:
Blood was taken from 25 patients [mean follow-up 35 (range nine to 67) months] treated with megaprostheses (n=17) or standard rotating-hinge devices (n=8) and analysed using electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-ASS).
Results:
Determining the concentrations of metal ions following rotating-hinge knee arthroplasty revealed increments for Co and Cr but not Mo. Metal ion release was significantly higher in patients with megaprostheses compared to a standard rotating-hinge knee device (Co p=0,024; Cr p=0.025).
Conclusion:
The authors believe there might be an additional metal ion release from the surface of the prosthesis and not only from the articulating surfaces because, in cases of rotating-hinge knee prosthesis, there is a metal-on-polyethylene articulation and not a direct metal-on-metal junction. Nevertheless, long-term studies are required to determine adverse effects of Co, Cr and Mo following total hip replacement and total knee arthroplasty.
