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Metal-on-metal hip replacement implants: information for health professionals

Overseas advice for general practitioners, orthopaedic surgeons and other health professionals on metal-on-metal hip replacement implants.

Last updated

Update

14 July 2017

On 29 June 2017, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) published updated advice - external site regarding metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacement implants. The TGA review of that advice, which included referral to an external group of experts, found that the recommendations regarding the care of patients with MoM implants previously published below remained appropriate and no change or further information was required at this time.

The TGA had previously reviewed its advice in the context of information published by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Emerging Newly Identified Health Risks - external site on 24-25 September 2014 and the French health regulator Agence Nationale de sécurité du Médicament et des produits de santé - external site (ANSM) on 17 December 2014.

On each of these occasions, the advice received from expert orthopaedic advisory groups was that the existing TGA statement effectively conveyed all the information and advice contained in these other communications, but was better suited to the Australian context.

Metal-on-metal hip replacement implants

Information for general practitioners, orthopaedic surgeons and other health professionals

20 September 2012

Key points

  • Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants (in which the articulating surfaces of the implant are made from metal) have been used for many years in Australia but their use is declining.
  • The relative performance of all hip implants has been actively monitored by the TGA since the inception of the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) in 1999. The data from the NJRR show that there are MoM implants that perform just as well as other types of hip implants.
  • MoM hip implants are used in some total conventional hip replacements, in which the femoral head is totally replaced by the implant, and in almost all total resurfacing hip replacements, in which a metal cap is placed over the femoral head (i.e. the femoral head is only "capped" or "resurfaced"). MoM hip implants that have been found to require early replacement are mainly those implants used in conventional total hip replacements with a larger size of femoral head, and implants with small femoral heads used in the resurfacing hip replacement procedure. This emerging knowledge has changed surgical practice, with surgeons now better able to tailor the choice of implant to the needs of individual patients.
  • The true incidence and nature of adverse health outcomes due to release of metal (chromium and cobalt) ions and particles from these implants has not yet been established. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to conclusively demonstrate that MoM hip implants produce side effects beyond those that may occur at the site of implantation. However, metal ions have been reported to be associated with effects on the heart, nervous system, endocrine system and skin.
  • There are differing opinions internationally about whether follow-up of patients with MoM hip implants should include regular blood testing for cobalt and chromium ions. There is no consensus on what might be the significance of particular levels of these ions in a patient's blood. However, there is some evidence that consistently rising blood levels of cobalt or chromium ions over time could provide an indication that a MoM hip implant is starting to fail.
  • On balance, the TGA recommends that patients with MoM implants be followed up regularly and that, in addition to soft tissue imaging such as ultrasound and/or MRI, the follow-up include blood tests for cobalt and chromium.
  • Patients who have concerns about their hip replacement should seek advice from their orthopaedic surgeon and/or general practitioner.

Background

Following the worldwide withdrawal from the market of the DePuy ASR hip implants, there have been several reports in relation to concerns with MoM hip replacement implants more generally. These relate to whether the implants release trace amounts of cobalt and chromium and while all implants have a limited life in the human body and may need to be replaced at some point, there are also concerns that some metal on metal implants may need to be replaced sooner. Information about the DePuy ASR implants can be found on the TGA website. The purpose of this paper is to provide information for general practitioners, orthopaedic surgeons, other health professionals and patients who have undergone hip replacement with any MoM implant, including ASR.

Advice to the TGA from the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) and the Orthopaedic Subcommittee (OSC) - formerly known as the Orthopaedic Expert Working Group - is that MoM hip implants may be suitable for some patients who require hip replacement. In the case where a resurfacing operation is indicated there are currently very limited alternatives to a MoM implant. The TGA is continuing to monitor the performance of MoM hip implants as well as reviewing the clinical and scientific literature relating to this type of implant. On the basis of current information, the TGA considers that patients who have received a MoM hip implant require different follow-up from that which is normally required by patients with other types of hip implant.

What is a metal-on-metal hip replacement implant?

picture of an example of a conventional total hip replacement

Hip replacement implants are designed to replace hip joints that have degenerated and become painful or (less commonly) were deformed at birth or damaged during an accident. The implants replace the painful, deformed or damaged 'ball and socket' joint of the hip with components made of metal, plastic or ceramic. The 'ball' part of the joint is called the femoral head, and the 'socket' part of the joint is called the acetabulum, or acetabular cup.

Some hip implants comprise a femoral head component made from a metal alloy containing cobalt and chromium that moves inside a metal acetabular cup or cup liner component. Such implants are commonly known as "metal-on-metal" hip replacements.

There are several types of hip replacement, but the two types of hip replacement surgery in which MoM components have been widely used are conventional total hip replacement where all the bone of the femoral head is replaced by the metal implant, and resurfacing total hip replacement (often just called resurfacing hip replacement) where much of the femoral head is retained and a hollow metal cap is placed over it, while a matching metal cup (similar to that used with a conventional total hip replacement) is placed in the acetabulum. Resurfacing hip replacement surgery replaces the surfaces of the patient's hip joint and removes very little femoral bone compared to a conventional total hip replacement. It is important to note that resurfacing total hip replacements are of the MoM type in almost all cases.

Whether used in conventional or resurfacing hip replacement procedures, MoM implants are used because the articulating (moving) surfaces of these implants can be precisely engineered to be extremely smooth and hard. MoM hip replacements are thought to provide advantages over metal-on-plastic hip replacements including lower wear rates and a lower incidence of dislocation. Dislocation is when the femoral head comes out of the acetabular cup and this is very painful and debilitating. In some cases further surgery is required to repair the hip joint. MoM components allow the design to accommodate larger head sizes, which in turn experience lower dislocation rates. A lower wear rate prolongs the life of the hip implant and delays the need for replacement (known as revision) surgery.

According to data from the AOANJRR the use of MoM hip implants in Australia is declining. It is not possible to say precisely how many MoM hips have been implanted in patients in Australia. However, data from the AOANJRR - external site covering the period 1999-2010 show that there were approximately 197,000 conventional total hip replacements in that period of which approximately 21,400 were MoM. In addition, a further approximately 14,000 were resurfacing (MoM) implants. The use of MoM implants is decreasing in Australia both in relative and absolute terms.

What are the concerns with metal-on-metal implants?

In late 2009 the DePuy ASR MoM implants were withdrawn from the Australian market after analysis of data from the AOANJRR - external site demonstrated that the rate of early revision surgery for these implants was high relative to other hip replacements. Monitoring of all MoM hip implants, to date, has not revealed a general problem with all MoM hip implants. However, there are concerns about MoM hip implants and the possibility of adverse health consequences of metal particles and metal ions that may be generated by wear of the components of these implants. For example:

Even though the physical wear rate of MoM hip implants is low, the body's natural joint lubricating fluid can react with metal ions or metal particles that may be produced around the implant. Where this occurs, the surrounding tissue can be affected leading to pain and inflammation and ultimately to the need for replacement of the implant. This type of local reaction can be a cause of premature failure of MoM hip implants. Furthermore, the extent of local soft tissue damage can increase over time increasing the risk of complications with revision surgery. There is also concern that chromium and cobalt ions from a wearing MoM implant can enter the blood stream and that this may lead to side effects in other areas of the body. There are a small number of individual case reports about health problems being experienced by patients with MoM Implants1, 2. These do not establish a definitive link between the use of metal-on-metal implants and the symptoms. Therefore there is insufficient evidence at this time to demonstrate that MoM hip implants produce side effects beyond those that may occur at the site of implantation. A study from the United Kingdom did not find an association between having a MoM hip joint and an increased risk of cancer.3 Work is underway internationally to determine if a link exists between MoM hip implants and systemic toxicity, and in particular what levels of cobalt and/or chromium in the blood are likely to be associated with any such effects. The TGA is actively monitoring international developments in this area.

Implant design, its alignment during surgery and selecting the appropriate implant for the individual patient plays a large role in determining the ultimate outcome. Some MoM implants with large diameter femoral head components used in conventional total hip replacements have experienced relatively high rates of revision. Use of these large femoral head implants for total hip replacements is declining although they may still have advantages for some patients. Resurfacing surgery with small femoral head sizes has similar problems. Importantly, the revision rate of many MoM implants is currently comparable to other types of hip implants.

How the TGA monitors performance of hip implants

The TGA monitors the performance of all hip implants by reviewing information provided by the AOANJRR - external site and adverse event data collected by the TGA. Data on implants with higher than expected rates of revision surgery are referred to the OSC for consideration.

Orthopaedic Subcommittee

The OSC is a panel of independent orthopaedic surgeons that was formed by the TGA in 2006 to provide expert advice to the TGA in relation to implants that experience higher than expected revision rates as identified through the AOANJRR - external site. Since its establishment, the TGA has also sought the advice of the OSC in relation to the specific issues associated with MoM hip implants.

What is the TGA doing about metal-on-metal implants?

The TGA has sought information from the AOANJRR - external site to further investigate concerns about the performance of MoM hip implants. The TGA has also sought the advice of the AOA and the OSC. In providing their advice, the AOA and the OSC noted the following:

  • Many MoM hip replacements had been performing as well as similar implants available in Australia. A blanket ban on all MoM hip implants would prevent some good implants from being used.
  • Suboptimal performance was believed to be mainly associated with the use of larger femoral heads in conventional total hip replacement, and small femoral heads in the resurfacing hip replacement procedure. This emerging knowledge had changed surgical practice with surgeons better able to tailor the choice of implant to the needs of individual patients.
  • The true incidence of complications due to metal sensitivity had not been established.
  • An implant-by-implant review of performance data generated by the AOANJRR - external site continued to be the most appropriate way to evaluate the relative performance of orthopaedic implants, including those that may have a MoM articulating surface.

Both the AOA and the OSC advised that all MoM hip implants should not be condemned solely on the basis that they are of the MoM type.

In addition to increased post-market monitoring the TGA has also reclassified all hip, knee and shoulder prostheses from class IIb (medium risk) to class III (high risk) medical devices. From 1 July 2012 there is an increased level of pre-market assessment for any future devices of this type intended for the Australian market. All MoM hip implants being supplied in Australia will be re-assessed as part of their transition to the new class III requirements.

What about cobalt and chromium levels in the blood of patients with MoM hip implants?

The TGA has sought advice from the AOA, the OSC and expert toxicologists and has also considered information available in the literature as well as from other regulatory agencies. Based on information currently available the TGA accepts that:

  • Accelerated wear of the MoM implant leads to higher levels of cobalt and chromium in the blood. When the implant wears at an accelerated rate the patient will be likely to experience local symptoms such as hip or thigh pain. Sometimes these symptoms and other implant-related local problems can occur without elevation of cobalt or chromium levels in the patient's blood.
  • At this point in time there is no accepted level of cobalt or chromium in the blood that is associated with adverse health impacts. Systemic toxicity arising from cobalt or chromium leaching from MoM hip implants has not been clearly demonstrated, but cannot be excluded. There is, however, concern among experts5,6 that rising levels of metal ions in the blood (irrespective of the absolute levels found) after the first 18 months following insertion can indicate that the implant is deteriorating.
  • Based on the available evidence routine follow-up including physical examination and X-rays should be performed on a regular basis for all patients with hip implants. For patients who have received MoM hip implants, follow-up should also include soft tissue imaging and monitoring for rising blood levels of cobalt and chromium.

However, the TGA recognises that there are differing opinions about whether follow-up of patients with MoM hip implants should include regular blood testing for cobalt and chromium ions. Patients with elevated cobalt or chromium levels due to a failing hip implant will usually have symptoms such as leg and thigh pain. There is a report from one group4 suggesting that cobalt or chromium blood levels that are higher than 7 parts per billion (approximately 120 nmol/L for cobalt and 135 nmol/L for chromium) are an indication that a patient's MoM hip implant is beginning to fail and that there may eventually be some soft tissue damage around the joint if the MoM implant is not revised. However, there is some uncertainty about whether chromium and cobalt levels can be reproducibly and accurately determined at these sorts of levels.

There are a number of ways metal ion tests can be performed and different test methods may produce different results.5, 6 Also, the levels of cobalt or chromium in a patient's serum will be different to those in a sample of whole blood from the same patient. Therefore, it is important to ensure that serial tests are performed by the same laboratory group to minimise variability in the test results.7

It should also be noted that cobalt and chromium ions typically rise in many patients in the first 12 to 18 months after the implant is inserted. This is known as the 'run in period' where there is polishing of tiny irregularities on the surface of the implant.8, 9 Also, metal ion levels, particularly cobalt, may be affected by changes in renal function, environmental or occupational exposure, consumption of dietary supplements containing these trace elements, and vigorous exercise. These factors need to be considered when interpreting cobalt and chromium levels.

On balance, the TGA recommends that follow-up of patients include regular tests for cobalt and chromium in the blood, although the frequency of this testing will depend on the particular clinical circumstances of individual patients as well as other information provided by imaging. Further, in view of the current level of uncertainty around metal ion testing, the TGA recommends that rather than focussing clinical decisions on a single cobalt or chromium test result, surgeons consider whether the levels of these metals are rising as only one part of their decision-making about the need for revision surgery in light of the patient's symptoms, findings on clinical examination, and the results of imaging.

Recommendations for follow-up of patients with metal-on-metal hip implants

Based on the current literature and expert opinion, the TGA provides this guidance to doctors for the follow-up of patients with MoM hip implants:

For patients with symptoms:

  • Follow-up: as dictated by symptoms in consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon, but no less than annually
  • Imaging: Plain X-rays plus ultrasound or metal artefact reduction sequence MRI
  • Blood tests: Cobalt and chromium levels at regular intervals (at least annually, and approximately every three months thereafter where metal ion levels continue to increase)
  • Consider revision if there are persistent symptoms, particularly where there are cross-sectional imaging abnormalities and/or where the levels of cobalt or chromium in the blood are progressively rising.

For patients with no symptoms:

  • Follow-up: if the patient has a total conventional hip replacement with a femoral head that is 36 mm in diameter or larger; or if the patient has a resurfacing hip replacement with a femoral head that is 45 mm in diameter or smaller; there should be annual follow-up for the life of the implant.
  • Otherwise, the frequency of follow up should be in accordance with standard practice for patients with other (non-MoM) hip implants.
  • Imaging: Plain X-rays plus ultrasound or metal artefact reduction sequence MRI
  • Blood tests: Cobalt and chromium levels. Regular monitoring will allow an assessment to be made as to whether levels of these metal ions are increasing over time, which may be an indicator of implant wear and potential failure even in the absence of symptoms.
  • Consider revision if there are cross-sectional imaging abnormalities and/or where the levels of cobalt or chromium in the blood are progressively rising.

References

  1. Machado C, Appelbe A, Wood R Arthroprosthetic Cobaltism and Cardiomyopathy Heart Lung Circ 2012 - external site (epub ahead of print)
  2. Tower S Arthroprosthetic cobaltism: neurological and cardiac manifestations in two patients with metal - on - metal arthroplasty: a case report. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;92:2847 -2851
  3. Smith A , Dieppe P, Porter M et al Risk of cancer in first seven years after metal-on-metal hip replacement compared with other bearings and general population: linkage study between the Nation Joint Replacement Registry of England and Wales and hospital episode statistics British Medical Journal 2012;344:e2383.
  4. Hart AJ, Sabah SA, Bandy AS, Maggiore P, Tarassoli P, Sampson B, Skinner JA Sensitivity and specificity of blood cobalt and chromium metal ions for predicting failure of metal-on-metal hip replacement J Bone Joint Surg Br 2011;93-B:1308-13
  5. Smolders JMH, Bisseling P, Hol A et al Metal ion interpretation in resurfacing versus conventional hip arthroplasty in whole blood versus serum. How should we interpret metal ion data? Hip Int 2011;21:587-595
  6. Daniel J, Ziaee H, Pysent PB et al The validity of serum levels as a surrogate measure of systemic exposure to metal ions in hip replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2007;89: 736-741
  7. Daniels J Metal Ion Testing http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/Co... - external site
  8. deSouza RM et al Metal ion levels following resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip J Bone Joint Surg 2010;92:1642-1647
  9. Langton DJ et al Adverse reaction to metal debris following hip resurfacing J Bone Joint Surg 2011;93-B:164-71.
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