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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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@hurkey I also found a multivitamin without chromium in it. It’s a company called ritual. Pretty basic ingredients.
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1 Reaction@closer0043 I’m sorry to hear of your aortic aneurysm; yes I can imagine that does keep you occupied. Thanks for responding. From all I’m reading at those lower levels you’re not in danger unless you have pain or trouble with the hip, or erosion is seen in an image. I wish you the very best!
@closer0043 one more thing; I have a Quest Lab in my town. I can order a cobalt serum test and a chromium test from them myself and pay them direct. The cobalt was about $150, and the chromium was around $80. Since you mentioned your doctor won’t order the tests; might be an option.
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1 Reaction@closer0043 what is NAC
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352344120300601
Here you go
@djg1951 what test is done to determine these levels of chromium? Can most labs do the test?
@djg1951 Your doctor (either ortho or primary) can order chromium and serum cobalt blood tests. If the local lab where you are doesn't process them, they are sent out to a larger lab. If you are concerned about metallosis from metal on metal implants, it might be wise to ask for one to be done.
Are you having issues from an implanted joint?
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1 ReactionIf a person is found to have a sensitivity to the metal they used what is their alternatives? I had allergies to certain erring metals when I was a kid. I never thought to share this with my surgeon.
@djg1951 There is a difference between metallossis, which is excessive levels of metal in the body, and metal sensitivity, where the body reacts to specific metals.
I would think your allergy as a child was to nickel, which is pretty common. Most implants and their components are made of titanium. chromium, cobalt, and ceramic, which cause far fewer allergic reactions. The few components which contain stainless steel are typically made of grades containing very little nickel specifically to minimize allergic reactions.
If you want to take a "deeper dive" into understanding this topic, I recommend this recent article:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9674446/
Do you think that you are having an allergic reaction to your implant?
If you are concerned about sensitivity/allergy you will need to discuss it with your orthopedic surgeon to find out whether you are reacting to a metal, and what options you have.