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Elevated Serum Titanium Level as a Marker for Failure in a Titanium Modular Fluted Tapered Stem
Orthopedics
|May 10, 2016
Summary
Elevated serum titanium levels can indicate failure in titanium modular fluted tapered (TMFT) stems used in hip revision surgery. This case report highlights a novel failure mechanism and diagnostic utility of serum titanium monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
- Serum cobalt and chromium levels monitor metal reactions in hip arthroplasties.
- Serum titanium levels are rarely used but can indicate failure in contemporary revision constructs like titanium modular fluted tapered (TMFT) stems.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old man with a TMFT stem experienced set screw disengagement and proximal body loosening.
- The patient presented with normal serum cobalt and chromium levels but markedly elevated serum titanium levels.
Findings:
- The elevated serum titanium level indicated a failure of the titanium modular junction in the TMFT stem.
- This represents the first reported failure of this specific TMFT stem and a novel failure mechanism identified by serum titanium levels.
Implications:
- Surgeons should consider monitoring serum titanium levels for diagnosing unique complications associated with TMFT stems.
- This finding may improve early detection of implant failures in hip revision arthroplasty.
