Question
A 60 years old female underwent hip replacement. After 1 year she landed up with loosening and the implant had to be removed. The slide (eosinophilic pigmentation and black pigment) of the implant is shown below. What is the likely cause?
| A. |
Metallosis
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| B. |
Ochronosis
|
| C. |
Alkaptonuria arthritis
|
| D. |
Infective arthritis
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer � A
Explanation
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Answer A) Metallosis
Metallosis is a type of metal poisoning that can occur as a side effect of joint replacement devices with metal components, such as metal-on-metal hip replacements or other metal implants.
These devices are made from a blend of several metals, including chromium, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and molybdenum.
When the metal parts rub against each other, they release microscopic metal particles into the blood and surrounding tissues.
Metallosis develops as these metal ions build up in the bone, muscle and other tissue around the implant. This can result in death of bone or other tissue.
