Metal ion measurement as a diagnostic tool to identify problems with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing.

摘要

Metal-on-metal bearings for hip replacement are gaining popularity as an alternative to the most widely used bearing couple of metal on polyethylene . The recent resurgence of hip resurfacing with the so-called third and fourth generations of hip resurfacing arthroplasty devices has played a substantial role in the wider use of metal-on-metal bearings . Concerns about the wear of polyethylene and the role of polyethylene wear debris in the process of aseptic loosening have also increased the use of hard-on-hard bearing couples.