Abstract
Background
Modular necks in total hip replacement (THR) can be a source of metal ion release. There are no data to date on the level of cobalt and chromium ions in the serum of patients with a cobalt-chrome stem and a titanium modular neck.
Methods
Serum ion levels were measured in healthy volunteers with a well-functioning ceramic-on-ceramic THR.
Results
Average cobalt in serum was 1.21 µg/l for unilateral THR and 2.2 µg/l for bilateral THR. No patient had cobalt levels higher than 2.4 µg/l. No patient had measurable chromium levels. There were no differences in cobalt levels for hips with short necks versus hips with long necks.
Conclusions
The hybrid THR Profemur® Xm – Procotyl® L with a titanium modular neck on a cobalt-chrome stem design shows no signs of abnormal toxic ion levels (cobalt or chromium) in a randomly selected group of well-functioning hip patients.
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