Good function but very high concentrations of cobalt and chromium ions in blood 37 years after metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasy

Abstract

Per WretenbergDepartment of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section of Orthopaedics, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, SwedenAbstract: This case report describes a patient who had a metal-on-metal hip prosthesis implanted 37 years ago. The hip function and X-ray are presented. The levels of cobalt and chromium ions in blood are analyzed and found to be about 40 times higher than normal. Consequences are discussed.Keywords: hip prosthesis, metal ions