Acetabular bone density and metal ions after metal-on-metal versus metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty; short-term results

No Difference in Revision Rates and High Survival Rates in Large-head Metal-on-metal THA Versus Metal-on-polyethylene THA: Long-term Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pseudotumor formation is a well-known complication in metal-on-metal (MoM) THA. Pseudotumors combined with elevated serum ion levels and complaints from patients can lead to high revision rates. Long-term (> 10 years) results obtained from randomized trials comparing large-head MoM THA and conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA are lacking regarding revision and survival rates, pseudotumor formation, functional outcomes, and serum ion levels.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

At 10 years of follow-up, (1) what is the difference in survival and revision rates between large-head (38 to 60 mm) MoM THA and conventional 28-mm MoP THA? (2) What is the difference in pseudotumor formation between large-head MoM THA and MoP THA? (3) Is there a difference in functional outcome between large-head MoM THA and MoP THA? (4) What is the difference in serum ion levels between large-head MoM THA and MoP THA?

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2008, 104 patients were randomized to receive either cementless MoM THA (50 patients) or cementless MoP THA (54 patients). In all, 78% (81 of 104) of patients completed the 10-year postoperative follow-up: 36 patients with MoM THA (72%; six patients lost to follow-up) and 45 with MoP THA (83%; four lost to follow-up). In the MoM group, 47% (17) were men, and the patients had a mean ± SD age of 60 ± 5 years. In the MoP group, 38% (17) were men, and the patients had a mean age of 61 ± 5 years. All baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. At 10 years of follow-up, all patient records were screened for revision surgery or complications, and the primary endpoint was survivorship free from revision for any cause at the 10-year follow-up interval, which we analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. All patients had a CT scan to determine the pseudotumor classification, which was reviewed by an independent radiologist. Functional outcome was measured using the patient-reported Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score; the latter was assessed by a blinded nurse practitioner. Finally, serum ion cobalt and chrome concentrations were measured at 10 years postoperatively. Because the a priori sample size calculation for this randomized controlled trial was based on a different endpoint, a post hoc power analysis was performed for this long-term follow-up study, with survival as the primary outcome. It showed that considering the number of included patients, this study would have sufficient power (one-sided testing, alpha 0.05, power 80%) to discern a difference of 20% in the survival rate between the MoP and MoM groups (95% versus 75%).

RESULTS

With the numbers available, there was no difference in survivorship free from revision for any cause between the MoP group and MoM group at 10 years (95% [95% CI 85% to 98%] versus 92% [95% CI 82% to 98%]; p = 0.6). A higher percentage of patients in the MoM group had pseudotumors on CT than those in the MoP group did, but pseudotumors were observed in both groups (56% [20 of 36] in the MoM group versus 22% [10 of 45] in the MoP group, relative risk 1.8 [95% CI 1.2 to 2.6]; p = 0.002). A higher proportion of elevated cobalt and chrome levels was found in the MoM group (19% and 14%, respectively) than in the MoP group (0% for both cobalt and chrome) (cobalt: RR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1 to 1.5]; p = 0.002; chrome: RR 1.2 [95% CI 1.0 to 1.3]; p = 0.01). In 25% of the patients with pseudotumors (5 of 20 patients), there were elevated serum cobalt levels. None of the 23 patients without pseudotumors had elevated cobalt levels (RR 1.3 [95% CI 1.0 to 1.7]; p = 0.01). There was no difference in functional outcome between study groups, nor a difference between patients with a pseudotumor and those without.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the survival of patients with large-head MoM THA was high and comparable to that of those with MoP THA, which contrasts with the high revision rates reported by others. Although some patients with MoP THAs experienced pseudotumors, the risk of a pseudotumor was much greater in MoM hips, and serum ion levels were higher in patients who received an MoM THA. For these reasons and unknown future complications, continued surveillance of patients with MoM THAs seems important.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Prosthetic Metals: Release, Metabolism and Toxicity

The development of metallic joint prostheses has been ongoing for more than a century alongside advancements in hip and knee arthroplasty. Among the materials utilized, the Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) and Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium (Ti-Al-V) alloys are predominant in joint prosthesis construction, predominantly due to their commendable biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Nonetheless, over time, the physical wear, electrochemical corrosion, and inflammation induced by these alloys that occur post-implantation can cause the release of various metallic components. The released metals can then flow and metabolize in vivo, subsequently causing potential local or systemic harm. This review first details joint prosthesis development and acknowledges the release of prosthetic metals. Second, we outline the metallic concentration, biodistribution, and elimination pathways of the released prosthetic metals. Lastly, we discuss the possible organ, cellular, critical biomolecules, and significant signaling pathway toxicities and adverse effects that arise from exposure to these metals.

Serum cobalt and chromium concentration following total hip arthroplasty: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

The present systematic review investigated the concentration of chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) in serum in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA). The first outcome of interest was to investigate the mean concentration in serum of Cr and Co using different material combinations and to verify whether their concentrations change significantly using different patterns of head and liner in THA. The second outcome of interest was to investigate whether the time elapsed from the index surgery to the follow-up, BMI, sex, and side exert an influence on the mean concentration of Cr and Co in serum in patients who have undergone THA. The following material combinations were investigated (head-liner): Ceramic-Co Cr (CoCr), CoCr-CoCr, CoCr-Polyethylene, CoCr high carbide-CoCr high carbide. Data from 2756 procedures were retrieved. The mean length of follow-up was 69.3 ± 47.7 months. The ANOVA test evidenced good comparability in age, length of follow-up, BMI, and sex (P > 0.1). In patients who have undergone THA, the mean concentration in the serum of Co ranged between 0.5 µg/L and 3.5 µg/L, and the mean concentration of Cr from 0.6 to 2.6 µg/L. The difference in the concentration of Co and Cr in serum is strictly related to the implant configuration, with the coupling CoCr-CoCr showing the highest and CoCr-Polyethylene showing the lowest concentration. Patient characteristics, BMI, sex, side and the time elapsed from the index surgery to the last follow-up did not exert a significant influence on the concentration of Co and Cr in serum in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Comparisons of Different Bearing Surfaces in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Analysis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to make comparisons of different bearing surfaces in patients after cementless total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

The network meta-analysis was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline. The primary outcomes were implant survival and Harris hip score (HHS). Secondary outcomes included linear wear rates and serum level of metal ions. Subgroup analyses were performed by: (1) classifying head sizes as small and large; (2) femoral heads as ceramic and metal; and (3) liners as metal, ceramic, polyethylene, highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXP), or vitamin E-infused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXPE). A total of 64 eligible RCTs with different bearings were assessed. Overall inconsistency and heterogeneity were acceptable.

RESULTS

In the 10 years follow-up, metal-on-polythene and ceramic-on-polythene bearings with small heads showed higher risk for revisions compared with metal-on-HXP and ceramic-on-HXP bearings with small heads. Similarly, only metal or ceramic-on-polythene bearings with small heads showed inferiority in HHS compared with other bearings. Conventional polyethylene liners showed higher linear wear rates compared with HXP, HXPE, and ceramic liners at 5 and 10 years after surgery, while metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal bearings showed higher serum level of cobalt and chromium.

CONCLUSION

Bearings containing HXP, HXPE, and ceramic liners showed comparable survivorship and hip function at follow-up of 5 and 10 years. Hard-on-hard bearings containing metal had higher serum level of metal ions than others. Bearings containing conventional polyethylene had worse performance in terms of implant survival, hip function, and wear rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Biological effects of metal degradation in hip arthroplasties

Metals and metal alloys are the most used materials in orthopedic implants. The focus is on total hip arthroplasty (THA) that, though well tolerated, may be associated with local and remote adverse effects in the medium-long term. This review aims to summarize data on the biological consequences of the metal implant degradation that have been attributed predominantly to metal-on-metal (MoM) THA. Local responses to metals consist of a broad clinical spectrum ranging from small asymptomatic tissue lesions to severe destruction of bone and soft tissues, which are designated as metallosis, adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD), aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesion (ALVAL), and pseudotumors. In addition, the dissemination of metal particles and ions throughout the body has been associated with systemic adverse effects, including organ toxicity, cancerogenesis, teratogenicity, and immunotoxicity. As proved by the multitude of studies in this field, metal degradation may increase safety issues associated with THA, especially with MoM hip systems. Data collection regarding local, systemic and long-term effects plays an essential role to better define any safety risks and to generate scientifically based recommendations.

Increased Mortality in Metal-on-Metal versus Non-Metal-on-Metal Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty at 10 Years and Longer Follow-Up: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IMPORTANCE

There are concerns about increased mortality in patients with metal-on-metal bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mortality and the morbidity in patients with metal-on-metal articulations (MOM THA) compared to patients with non-metal-on-metal articulations (non-MOM THA) after primary total hip arthroplasty.

DATA SOURCES

Search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, AcademicSearchPremier, ScienceDirect, Wiley and clinical trial registers through March 2015, augmented by a hand search of references from the included articles. No language restrictions were applied.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers screened and identified randomised controlled trials and observational studies of primary total hip arthroplasty comparing MOM THA with non-MOM THA.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently extracted study data and assessed risk of bias. Risk differences (RD) were calculated with random effect models. Meta-regression was used to explore modifying factors.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Difference in mortality and difference in morbidity expressed as revisions and medical complications between patients with MOM THA and non-MOM THA.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included, comprising 4,000 THA in randomised trials and over 500,000 THA in observational studies. For mortality, random effects analysis revealed a higher pooled RD of 0.7%, 95%, confidence interval (CI) [0.0%, 2.3%], I-square 42%; the heterogeneity was explained by differences in follow-up. When restricted to studies with long term follow-up (i.e. 10 years or more), the RD for mortality was 8.5%, 95%, CI [5.8%, 11.2%]; number needed to treat was 12. Further subgroup analyses and meta-regression random effects models revealed no evidence for other moderator variables (study level covariates, e.g. resurfacing vs. non-resurfacing MOM) than follow-up duration. The quality of the evidence presented in this meta-analysis was characterized as moderate according to the CLEAR-NPT (for non-pharmacological trials) and Cochrane risk of bias Table.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Meta-analysis suggests there may be an increased long-term risk of mortality and revision surgery for patients with MOM THA compared to patients with non-MOM THA.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2014:CRD42014007417.

Pseudotumour incidence, cobalt levels and clinical outcome after large head metal-on-metal and conventional metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty: mid-term results of a randomised controlled trial

We compared the incidence of pseudotumours after large head metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) with that after conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA and assessed the predisposing factors to pseudotumour formation. From a previous randomised controlled trial which compared large head (38 mm to 60 mm) cementless MoM THA with conventional head (28 mm) cementless MoP THA, 93 patients (96 THAs: 41 MoM (21 males, 20 females, mean age of 64 years, standard deviation (sd) 4) and 55 MoP (25 males, 30 females, mean age of 65 years, sd 5) were recruited after a mean follow-up of 50 months (36 to 64). The incidence of pseudotumours, measured using a standardised CT protocol was 22 (53.7%) after MoM THA and 12 (21.8%) after MoP THA. Women with a MoM THA were more likely to develop a pseudotumour than those with a MoP THA (15 vs 7, odds ratio (OR) = 13.4, p < 0.001). There was a similar incidence of pseudotumours in men with MoM THAs and those with MoP THAs (7 vs 5, OR = 2.1, p = 0.30). Elevated cobalt levels (≥ 5 microgram/L) were only associated with pseudotumours in women with a MoM THA. There was no difference in mean Oxford and Harris hip scores between patients with a pseudotumour and those without. Contrary to popular belief, pseudotumours occur frequently around MoP THAs. Women with a MoM THA and an elevated cobalt level are at greatest risk. In this study, pseudotumours had no effect on the functional outcome after either large head MoM or conventional MoP THA.

Use of internal references for assessing CT density measurements of the pelvis as replacement for use of an external phantom

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research is to study the use of an internal reference standard for fat- and muscle as a replacement for an external reference standard with a phantom. By using a phantomless internal reference standard, Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements of various tissues can potentially be assessed in patients with a CT scan of the pelvis without an added phantom at time of CT acquisition. This paves the way for development of a tool for quantification of the change in tissue density in one patient over time and between patients. This could make every CT scan made without contrast available for research purposes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with unilateral metal-on-metal total hip replacements, scanned together with a calibration reference phantom used in bone mineral density measurements, were included in this study. On computed tomography scans of the pelvis without the use of intravenous iodine contrast, reference values for fat and muscle were measured in the phantom as well as within the patient's body. The conformity between the references was examined with the intra-class correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The mean HU (± SD) of reference values for fat for the internal- and phantom references were -91.5 (±7.0) and -90.9 (±7.8), respectively. For muscle, the mean HU (± SD) for the internal- and phantom references were 59.2 (±6.2) and 60.0 (±7.2), respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficients for fat and muscle were 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and show excellent agreement between the phantom and internal references.

CONCLUSION

Internal references can be used with similar accuracy as references from an external phantom. There is no need to use an external phantom to asses CT density measurements of body tissue.