Metal-on-Metal Wear of Orthopedic Implants

October 2011

Overview

Over 1 million hips are implanted each year worldwide. While the vast majority of these are successful, an adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) occurs in a small number of patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements. Patients experiencing joint pain after a metal-on-metal hip replacement should be evaluated for an adverse reaction to metal debris.

Metal implants wear due to continuous motion of the metal-on-metal surfaces, releasing micro-particles into the surrounding tissues. Over time, these micro-particles can corrode and release metal ions into the systemic circulation. Evaluation of serum chromium and cobalt concentration can help determine the degree of metal-on-metal orthopedic implant deterioration.

White Paper

Evaluation of Metal-on-Metal Wear of Orthopedic Implants: Role of Serum Chromium and Cobalt Analysis
by Thomas P. Moyer, PhD and Rafael Sierra, MD, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic

Tests

• Cobalt, Serum #80084
• Chromium, Serum #8638