Metal ion levels post primary unilateral Exeter total hip arthroplasty

Metal ion release is common following total hip arthroplasty, yet postoperative levels have not been defined for most stems currently used in clinical practice.

To assess metal ion release in the serum of patients with well functioning unilateral Exeter V40 primary total hip arthroplasties one year after surgery.

Whole blood chromium and serum cobalt levels were measured in 20 patients following primary total hip arthroplasty with the Exeter V40 stem and a variety of acetabular components one year after surgery.

Whole blood chromium levels were within the normal range (10-100 nmol/L), with a single mild elevation of serum cobalt (normal <20 nmol/L).

In well functioning primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty using the Exeter V40 stem with a variety of acetabular components one year post surgery, whole blood chromium levels are normal and serum cobalt elevations are rare and mild.