Exposure to chromium, cobalt and molybdenum from metal-on-metal total hip replacement and hip resurfacing arthroplasty

Abstract

During the first 2 years after surgery, the Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty leads to a significantly greater increase in serum chromium and cobalt levels than the 28-mm metal-on-metal MTHR. Observation of patients over a longer period will be necessary in order to evaluate any chronic adverse effects to the system due to elevated chromium and cobalt serum concentrations.