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General Orthopaedics

METAL-ON-METAL BEARING SURFACES IN PRIMARY HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

The South African Orthopaedic Association (SAAO) 59th Annual Congress



Abstract

Purpose of the study

We reviewed one hundred and twenty patients who had primary total hip replacement using Corail/Pinnacle Metal on metal bearing surfaces between 2006 and 2009.

We were interested in the metal ion levels of the whole cohort, the incidence of unexplained pain, pseudo tumour lesions (ALVAL) and early loosening and failure. We were particularly interested in the relationship of the acetabular cup position in relation to the pelvis and lumbar spine.

Material and methods

We reviewed 120 charts and 104 patients in total.

All patients had metal ion assays (cobalt and chromium)

All patients had standardised radiographic evaluation using a special technique to assess acetabular cup position and the relationship to the pelvis and lumbar spine.

Results

Ten patients had mild hip pain. This was not considered to be pathological pain related to the MOM articulation. None of the patients had any generalised symptoms of metal allergy as reported in the literature. We detected one patient with soft tissue fluid collections suggestive of an ALVAL lesion on ultrasound.

The average cup inclination was 48 degrees with a range from 34 to 53 degrees.

Conclusion

Our experience at 5 years with the Corail/Pinnacle Metal on Metal articulation has been acceptable.

NO DISCLOSURES