Short-Term Metal Ion Trends Following Removal of Recalled Modular Neck Femoral Stems.

Overview

Elevated serum metal ions have been well documented with the Rejuvenate modular neck femoral stem (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ); however, the rate at which ion levels decline following revision is less clear. This study included fifty-nine consecutive revisions of Rejuvenate stems for symptomatic ALTR. Blood tests prior to revision and postoperatively at 6weeks, 3months, 6months, and 1year measured serum cobalt and chromium concentrations, ESR, and CRP. At six weeks following revision of a unilateral Rejuvenate, cobalt and chromium levels dropped from preoperative levels by 67% and 42%, respectively. At three months, cobalt levels declined to 19% of preoperative values, but chromium levels remained stable. With this information, surgeons can set realistic expectations for serum metal ion levels following Rejuvenate stem revision.