Introduction:
Femoral neck modularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) affords the surgeon the ability to optimize femoral neck length, offset, and version, thereby theoretically improving restoration of patient anatomy and biomechanics. The effect of activity on serum metal ion levels in patients with a THA with a mixed-metal modular neck design has not yet been described.
Case report:
A 63-year-old male underwent THA utilizing a femoral stem with a mixed-metal modular femoral neck. After the stem was voluntarily recalled, he was indicated to be monitored for manifestations ofmodular junction corrosion and development of adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR). An association between activity levels and serial serum cobalt levels was demonstrated.
Conclusion:
In this patient with a THA incorporating a mixed-metal modular femoral neck, modification of activity intensity may have played a role in altered corrosion generation, as indicated by serum metal ion levels. In turn, this may play a role in the progression of ALTR.