Dislocation of large diameter metal-on-metal bearings an indicator of metal reaction?

J Arthroplasty. 2011 Sep;26(6):832-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2010.07.030. Epub 2010 Oct 29.

Abstract

We report 3 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using large diameter metal-on-metal bearing. These patients initially presented with pain but went on to develop dislocation of the THA while awaiting investigations. Any pain following metal-on-metal bearing THA should be taken seriously and should trigger investigations to identify a metal reaction. If left untreated, these reactions can cause progressive soft tissue necrosis leading to instability. These patients should be considered for early revision of the bearing surface to prevent further soft tissue damage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / adverse effects
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / instrumentation*
  • Chromium / blood
  • Cobalt / blood
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Hip Dislocation / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Dislocation / etiology*
  • Hip Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / complications*
  • Joint Instability / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Instability / etiology*
  • Metals / adverse effects*
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / etiology
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / pathology

Substances

  • Metals
  • Chromium
  • Cobalt