Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s00590-023-03567-1. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The addition of junctions in modular stems implies a greater susceptibility to corrosion.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare serum chromium and cobalt levels after using a bimodular stem and its monoblock counterpart in primary total hip arthroplasty. Postoperative clinical scores were also compared.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study between 2012 and 2015 was designed. One arm of the cohort included patients with the cementless modular neck stem H-Max M® and the other with the cementless monoblock stem counterpart H-Max S®.
RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in chromium value between groups (p = 0.621) at two years postoperative. Cobalt value was higher in the modular group (p = < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in clinical postoperative scores except for the Harris Hip Score, with better results at six months in modular group (p = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum cobalt level in the modular group has limited the use of modular stems in our daily practice. Advantages of modular stem were not found.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.
PMID:37140672 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-023-03567-1
