The relationship between cobalt/chromium ratios and the high prevalence of head-stem junction corrosion in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty

Harry S Hothi, Reshid Berber, Robert K Whittaker, Gordon W Blunn, John A Skinner, Alister J Hart

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background - The size of the clinical impact of corrosion of the taper junction of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties (MOM-THAs) is unclear. Examination of a large number of retrieved MOM resurfacings and total hip arthroplasties can help us understand the role of taper corrosion in metal ion release.

    Methods - We graded the severity of corrosion at the taper junction of 395 MOM-THAs and compared the prerevision whole blood metal ion levels of these hips with 529 failed MOM hip resurfacings.

    Results - Virtually all MOM-THA hips (n = 388) had evidence of corrosion of the head-stem taper junction and graded as severe in 31% (n = 124). The median cobalt/chromium (Co/Cr) ratio was 1.58 (0.01-13.82) and 1.08 (0-4.86) for MOM-THA and MOM hip resurfacing, respectively; this difference was significant (P < .001). THA hips with severely corroded tapers had the highest median Co/Cr ratio of 1.86 (0.01-10).

    Conclusions - This study demonstrates the high prevalence of severe taper corrosion, which may be related to an elevated Co/Cr ratio before revision.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1123-1127
    Number of pages5
    JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty
    Volume31
    Issue number5
    Early online date26 Nov 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2016

    Keywords

    • Adult
    • Aged
    • Aged, 80 and over
    • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
    • Chromium
    • Cobalt
    • Corrosion
    • Female
    • Hip Joint
    • Hip Prosthesis
    • Humans
    • Joint Diseases
    • Male
    • Metal-on-Metal Joint Prostheses
    • Middle Aged
    • Prosthesis Design
    • Prosthesis Failure
    • Retrospective Studies
    • Young Adult

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