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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-06-2009 | Orthopaedic Surgery

Time-dependent release of cobalt and chromium ions into the serum following implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick™ type artificial lumbar disc (Medtronic Sofamor Danek)

Authors: Alexander Zeh, Claudia Becker, Michael Planert, Peter Lattke, David Wohlrab

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

Introduction

In total hip endoprosthetics and consequently for TDA, metal-on-metal combinations are used with the aim of reducing wear debris. In metal-on-metal TDA the release of metal ions has until now been secondary to the main discussion.

Materials and methods

In order to investigate the ion release following the implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick™ type artificial lumbar disc we measured the serum cobalt and chromium concentration following implantation of 15 Maverick™ TDAs (monosegmental L5/S1, n = 5; bisegmental L4/5 and L5/S1, n = 5; average age 36.5 years).

Five healthy subjects (no metal implants) acted as a control group. The two measurements of the metals were carried out using the absorption spectrometry after an average of 14.8 and 36.7 months.

Results

In summary, the concentrations of cobalt and chromium ions in the serum at both follow-ups amounted on average to 3.3 μg/l (SD 2.6) for cobalt and 2.2 μg/l (SD 1.5) for chromium.

These figures are similar to the figures shown in the literature following the implantation of metal-on-metal THA.

After a comparison to the control group, both the chromium and cobalt levels in the serum showed visible increases regarding the first and the second follow-up.

Discussion

As there is still a significant release of cobalt and chromium into the serum after an average follow-up of 36.7 months a persistent release of these ions must be taken into consideration.

Despite the evaluation of the systemic and local effects of the release of Cr/Co from orthopaedic implants has not yet been concluded, one should take into consideration an explanation given to patients scheduled for the implantation of a metal-on-metal TDA about these results and the benefits/risks of alternative combinations of gliding contact surfaces.

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Title: Time-dependent release of cobalt and chromium ions into the serum following implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick™ type artificial lumbar disc (Medtronic Sofamor Danek)
Authors: Alexander Zeh
Claudia Becker
Michael Planert
Peter Lattke
David Wohlrab
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0677-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Time-dependent release of cobalt and chromium ions into the serum following implantation of the metal-on-metal Maverick™ type artificial lumbar disc (Medtronic Sofamor Danek)

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

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