Influence of metal-on-metal wear on infection in hip arthropasty

PhD ceremony: Mr. A.H. Hosman, 14.30 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Influence of metal-on-metal wear on infection in hip arthropasty

Promotor(s): prof. H.J. Busscher, prof. H.C. van der Mei, prof. S.K. Bulstra

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The main goal of this thesis was to determine the influence of wear particles from metal-on-metal hip prostheses (MOM-prostheses) on deep infections. From our research in MOM wear and bacteria we concluded that in vitro bacterial growth is inhibited, and in vivo the immune system. Finally, revisions of the 2720 Australian national joint replacement registry were examined, especially focusing on the infection data from MOM versus metal-on-plastic hip prostheses (MOP-prostheses). The cumulative 8-year revision risk of infection was 1.2% for MOM prostheses and 0.8% for MOP prostheses. We conclude that Co-Cr particles may hamper the functioning of macrophages and that this may lead to an increased risk of a prolonged presence of bacteria after surgery compared with MOP-particles.