Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
Systemic disease after hip replacement: aeromedical implications of arthroprosthetic cobaltism
John G Sotos1, Stephen S Tower
1Joint Forces Headquarters, California Air National Guard, 9800 Goethe Road, Box 15, Sacramento, CA 95827, USA. expires130630@sotos.com
Background:
A multisystem illness recently reported in recipients of the newest generation of metal-on-metal hip prostheses has been ascribed to toxic effects of cobalt and possibly chromium.
Case Report:
We present a case of insidiously developing neurologic illness that occurred in a physically active professional.
Discussion:
This case illustrates the potential for a hip prosthesis to occultly impair safe functioning of aviators. Based on this case and others, we suggest modifications to aeromedical policy relating to waiver requests after hip replacement, including routine monitoring of serum cobalt and chromium levels in recipients of metal-on-metal hip prostheses. The evaluation of aviators having an elevated cobalt level is also discussed.
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