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High Cobalt Chromium levels
I have a MOM THR in 2003 - Depuy Pinnacle . I'm now 70. While I knew about potentials of Metalosis, I never had any symptoms so I was never tested. Jan 2024 my hip squeaked for a week, then went away. I'm very active and no weakness or other symptoms. I went to a recommended Ortho in Chicago area - since my original surgeon retired. I was tested and Cobalt/Chromium came back 22.6/15.5 ng/mL. I also had a MRI - which showed no abnormal issues. The decision was to wait a year and test again - which I did this month- the Cobalt/Chromium came back 11/11 ng/mL. - the results went down(both were done at the same lab in NC (lab corp of america). Still no other symptoms and squeaking never came back. I haven't met with my doctor again yet - presuming we'd do a wait another year plan again. I have several questions 1) Is it logical that my Cobalt Chromium went down - without doing anything? 2) Does it matter where blood tests are done? 3) Can other things affect blood tests - I don't take any medications. And stopped my Vitamin D the week before the blood test.
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Though this doesn't solve any of these joint problems that were done in the past I did a deep dive on what I'd heard prior to my 2014 hip resurfacing.
Those problems were due to poor castings of the replacement parts. Though the parts are polished smooth by the manufacturer (I don't think that source was mentioned) a very close-up photo of the surface showed terrible pitting and porosity of the surface.
That can't be good for the joint or the body and these patients had histories of cobalt-chrome metal in the blood.
I've had some engineering experience with metal castings (including Cobalt-Chrome) and the ones pictured were absolutely terrible. At the time I had my replacement that problem had been corrected.
BTW, as mentioned, this should never by a problem. Mainly because Cobalt-chrome has been used for many years in dental bridges with no harmful results.
Prayers for all you who are suffering from such neglect.
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1 ReactionI know NAC is the new kid on the block…but may have side affects. Chlorella & Spirulina is supposed to be safer & more natural for helping rid toxic metals
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1 ReactionI also know Everybody is different, so…
Can you share sources? I know that in my case (and I have the pieces here) there is NO visible pitting or porosity, even under a 10X magnifier. Yet I had extreme levels of chromium and cobalt after only 4 years. What the biomedical engineers determined was that if there was edge-loading of the acetabular implant due to the angle of placement, there was sufficient friction to cause shedding of the surface metal. Due to the difference in the pelvis of men and women, it tended to occur more in women. Lesser thickness and rigidity in smaller parts seemed to contribute. Metal on metal implants were voluntarily removed from the US market in 2015.
Have you had your serum cobalt level and your chromium level checked?
Nothing is without risks - while there have been reports that chlorella & spirulina MAY help eliminate lead, copper & cadmium, I cannot find any literature to support the idea that it works on cobalt or chromium. And, it is possible to overuse both of these, just with any other medication or supplement. Finally, these are algae from the sea, and may themselves be contaminated with heavy metals.
Hello Sue,
Sorry, if I saved my source/s from so long ago they'd be on floppy disc; now not even a reader device to be found. But I just did a quick duck duck go search showing several discussions for metal on metal joints. Scary.
The idea that edge-loading could contribute to sending shards of metal into circulation thus increasing chances of forming ions is reasonable. Just my view of it.
I've had zero indication of trouble or systemic issues in these 11-years.
So I plan to keep on keeping on but being alert for unattributed symptoms and look to metallic ionic poisoning immediately.
Thank you for your concern and diligence on this topic.
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2 ReactionsI have to say, regarding metal on metal…I had no issues (really) with my hip (also m.o.m.). Until 1 morning in 2020 (16 yrs post implant). I assume the pseudo tumor I had, burst & sent ions throughout my body. I had the rev. & even ‘tho drs say, “once the implant is removed, all symptoms should go away”. It’s been 5 yrs & I still have huge problems! Last blood test showed (2024) I still had chromium, cobalt & cadmium. The levels had done down, but I still have mental & gut issues. Maybe I have sensitivy or am allergic? I may never know because I can’t find a Dr that would admit anything, best of luck to you
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2 ReactionsPlease know I'm praying for your relief from these toxins. Or whatever is giving you so much difficulty.
All the best !!!!
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1 ReactionYour cobalt levels are toxic from what the orthopedic surgeon told my wife and he removed the implant, IV medication for 8 weeks with a medicated spacer, then new implant. Be a strong self advocate and if your current orthopedic surgeon will not preform, seek and search one that shows compassion and willingness to help you!
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2 ReactionsOh yes, surgeon will remove but it was diagnosed during pand mic and only emergency surgeries done, and my handicapped daughter became seriously ill so I put it off then knees got worse! Now trying to choose between, or when to do right hip, right knee , left knee rather difficult
I can walk with knee brace but locking occurs very often, hip rarely bothers me, I less I walk over 2 miles, water therapy great!
No results back yet on blood levels nor X-ray done this week
I see my orthopedic surgeon who did both hips in October but need my dental implant completed , to proceed..
Yes, it's a lot plus having disabled adult!
I thank all of the great replies here!!