Metal ion release after total hip replacement

The concentration of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was measured using neutron activation analysis in tissue taken from an 81 year old female at necropsy. The patient had bilateral cobalt chromium molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) total hip replacements: one, a metal-on-metal had been in place for 14 years, the other a metal-on-plastic for 5.5 years. Although the metal-on-metal side had become painful, the patient remained active until she died. The measurements indicated that the concentrations of Co and Cr in the lung, kidney, liver and spleen were up to fifty times "Standard Man" values. High values occurred also in the urine and in the hair. The tissue adjacent to the metal-on-metal joint was heavily laden with metal wear debris, whereas that adjacent to the metal-on-plastic joint was relatively uncontaminated. The concentration varied with distance from the implant. Co predominated in the urine, whereas Cr predominated near the implants. The existence of such high levels, especially in the organs, is a possible cause for concern.