Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing: a critical review

• Published in: Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery 2011, Vol.131 (1), p.101-110
• Main Authors: Macpherson, Gavin J., Breusch, Steffen J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - methods; Cementation; Femoral Neck Fractures - epidemiology; Hip Arthroplasty; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metals; Orthopedics; Osteoarthritis, Hip - surgery; Periprosthetic Fractures - epidemiology; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Reoperation - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 0936-8051; 1434-3916
• DOI: 10.1007/s00402-010-1153-9

In this article, a concise review of the current literature on metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (MoMHR) is given. In contrast to conventional total hip arthroplasty, older age, female sex and small femoral head sizes predispose to failure. Neck fracture and metal wear-related complications account for the most frequent reasons for re-operations. Although the long-term consequences of metal ion release remain unknown, the increasing prevalence of soft tissue related problems with potentially devastating functional consequences in this younger patient group are of concern. Outcome after revision for metal wear related failure of MoMHR is poor. In our opinion, patients with this device should be managed in dedicated centers with facilities for data collection and monitoring. The majority of proposed advantages of MoMHR cannot be supported by the published evidence.