METAL ION MEASUREMENTS FROM KNEE ARTHROPLASTIES

IntroductionSystemic metal ion monitoring (Co;Cr) has proven to be a useful screening tool for implant performance to detect failure at an early stage in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty. Several clinical studies have reported elevated metal ion levels after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with fairly high levels associated with rotating hinge knees (RHK) and megaprostheses1. In a knee simulator study, Kretzer2, demonstrated volumetric wear and corrosion of metallic surfaces. However, prospective in vivo data are scarce, resulting in a lack of knowledge of how levels evolve over time. The goal of this study was to measure serum Co and Cr levels in several types TKA patients prospectively, evaluate the evolution in time and investigate whether elevated levels could be used as an indicator for implant failure.Patients and MethodsThe study was conducted at Ghent University hospital. 130 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty were included in the study, 35 patients were lost due to logistic problems. 95 patients...