Few adverse reactions to metal on metal articulation in total hip arthroplasty in a review study on 358 consecutive cases with 1 to 5 years follow-up

The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of adverse reaction to metal on metal total hip arthroplasty using a M2a-38 articulation and a Magnum articulation, (Biomet Warsaw, Indiana).All patients who had received a Metal on Metal bearing prosthesis, in two centres in Copenhagen, were asked to complete a questionnaire about groin pain. Patients with self-reported groin pain, 68/314, underwent a physical examination and had Co and Cr ion levels measured in full blood samples. Fifty patients also had a CT scan performed.The present study found one patient with bilateral arthroplasty, who had an adverse reaction on one side. In addition the study showed that females had higher values of Co and Cr, and that younger patient reported groin pain more often.The conclusion of this study is that the number of adverse reactions is low, despite the time of observation being relatively short, no high frequency of adverse reactions to this prosthesis is expected.