Systemic Effects of Chronic Metal Ion Exposure From Metal-on Metal Hip Resurfacing

Overview

In recent years hip resurfacing has become a very popular alternative treatment to total hip replacement for the treatment of hip arthritis. This procedure has become particularly common in the young patient with arthritis because of perceived benefits in terms of functional outcome. However, it has recently become apparent that hip resurfacing is associated with a range of adverse events, not typically seen in patients with conventional hip replacement. These include hip fracture, and failure of bone to grow onto the fixation surfaces of the implant. It has also become apparent that hip resurfacing results in the release of high concentrations of dissolved metals in the bloodstream, such as cobalt and chromium. Whilst small concentrations of these metals are essential for normal body functions, such as making red blood cells, in high concentrations their effects can be toxic to many cells and organs of the body, such as bone, the brain, heart, liver and kidneys, as well as disturbing hormones and blood cholesterol levels. Whilst several studies have documented levels of these metal ions of 440 times normal levels in hip resurfacing patients, there are no studies that have examined whether these levels are having a toxic effect on the various organ systems of the body (with the exception of renal function). In this study we plan to explore whether there are differences in bone mineral density, accumulation of metal ions in the brain, and other solid organs, heart and hormonal function between subjects who have had a hip resurfacing 5 or more years previously compared to an individually matched group of subjects after conventional hip replacement.

This is a cross sectional survey in patients who have had hip resurfacing (MOMHR) and subjects who have received a conventional hip replacement (THA) using a metal on plastic or ceramic bearing. Participants in this study will be identified by orthopaedic surgeons from their operating database. An invitation letter will be sent out to the potential participants with an accompanying information sheet and a reply slip. If there is no response then one further letter will be sent out. Those patients who respond to say that they are interested in taking part in the study will then be telephoned by the study team and screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria. If they are eligible and willing to take part after discussions with the investigator, an appointment will be made for them to attend to give informed consent. Participants will be requested not to eat or drink on the morning that they attend for this visit. There will be an opportunity at this visit for further discussion and explanation of the study requirements with the Investigator before consent is given. Once consent has been given, the following procedures will be carried out at this visit (Visit 1): 1. Venous blood will be taken by venepuncture (60 mL, approx 4 tablespoons, will be taken) after which the participant will be able to eat breakfast (which will be provided). 2. A urine based pregnancy test will be used in women of child bearing age to exclude pregnant women 3. Participants will complete the Oxford Hip questionnaire, the EQ5D questionnaire and a record of medical history and concomitant medicines under supervision of the student investigator or an experienced research nurse. 4. Whole body bone mineral density assessments will be made using an Hologic Discovery bone densitometer. This will take approximately 10 minutes in total and will be carried out by an experienced research bone density technician 5. An electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram will be performed by an experienced cardiotechnician and later analysed by a Consultant Cardiologist 6. Participants will be given a container and instructions to collect a 24 hour urine sample. This will be returned at the second visit 7. An appointment will be made for the participant to attend for a second visit to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. At visit 2 the following procedures will be carried out: 1. Neuropsychological assessments and questionnaires and visual acuity measurement using a Snellen chart. 2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain using a 3.0T Phillips Intera MRI scanner. 3. MRI of the liver spleen and kidneys using the 3.0T Phillips Intera MRI scanner. Clinical reports will be prepared for all clinical investigations and normal findings will be related to the patient by letter. Abnormal findings will be reported to the GP and patient with advice for any action as necessary.