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European Spine Journal

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01-04-2013 | Original Article

Prospective study on serum metal levels in patients with metal-on-metal lumbar disc arthroplasty

Authors: Matthew F. Gornet, J. K. Burkus, M. L. Harper, F. W. Chan, A. K. Skipor, J. J. Jacobs

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Metal-on-metal total disc replacement is a recent alternative treatment for degenerative disc disease. Wear and corrosion of these implants can lead to local and systemic transport of metal debris. This prospective longitudinal study examined the serum chromium and cobalt levels in 24 patients with cobalt–chromium alloy metal-on-metal lumbar disc replacements.

Methods

Serum was assayed for chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) using high-resolution inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Detection limits were 0.015 ng/mL for Cr and 0.04 ng/mL for Co.

Results

Median serum Co levels at pre-op, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-months post-op were 0.10, 1.03, 0.96, 0.98, 0.67, and 0.52 ng/mL, respectively. Median serum Cr levels were 0.06, 0.49, 0.65, 0.43, 0.52, and 0.50 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

In general, these results indicated that serum Co and Cr levels are elevated at all postoperative time points and are of the same order of magnitude as those observed in well-functioning metal-on-metal surface replacements of the hip and in metal-on-metal total hip replacements at similar postoperative time points.

Cases with values between 1.5 and 3 lengths from the upper or lower edge of the box are defined as outlier. The box length is the interquartile range (25–75 %), (SPSS ver. 10.05).

Cases with values more than three box lengths from the upper or lower edge of the box are defined as extreme. The box length is the interquartile range (25–75 %), (SPSS ver. 10.05).

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Title: Prospective study on serum metal levels in patients with metal-on-metal lumbar disc arthroplasty
Authors: Matthew F. Gornet
J. K. Burkus
M. L. Harper
F. W. Chan
A. K. Skipor
J. J. Jacobs
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2581-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prospective study on serum metal levels in patients with metal-on-metal lumbar disc arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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