Immunology of Failing Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement

Metal-on-metal total hip replacement (MoM THR) has been targeted at younger patients with anticipated long-term survival since the bearing surfaces wear less than the traditional metal-on-plastic (MoP) replacements. However, the production of metal ions as a result of the wear is a concern because of the possible toxicity to cells. In Norwich England a number of different metal-on-metal implants have been trialed of which one, the Ultima TPS, has had very poor results. A total of 545 patients have had 652 MoM THRs with the Ultima TPS of whom more than 20% have now been revised. There is an ongoing MHRA program to screen for problems using MRI scans with a technique developed in Norwich. Investigations so far show massive corrosion in the implants with a catastrophic immune response causing death of cells. This may include death of bone leading to fracture. In a third of patients revised there has been pain but normal plain X-rays. In some patients without pain who have been screened there are abnormal changes on an MRI scan. We wish to investigate the immune cells in patients to find out why this has happened. The study will include patients coming for a new hip to act as a comparator, as well as those with a MoM THR and patients being revised with MoM THRs, and MoP THRs. We shall also investigate patients with other MoM THRs opportunistically.