Chromium-Cobalt Intoxication with Intense Systemic Complications following Total Hip Revision after Per-Operative Ceramic Fracture

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Heavy metal intoxication after arthroplasty is extremely rare but could be lethal.

Case Report.

We report the case of a 69-year-old woman, who presented intense systemic symptoms of chromium-cobalt intoxication after revision of per-operative fractured ceramic components with metal-on-polyethylene.

Systemic toxicity occurred a year after surgery and expressed brutally with mostly central neurological symptoms.

Chelation associated with revision surgery allowed rapid regression of all symptoms.

Conclusion.

Revision of fractured ceramic, even per-operatively, should not be done with metal-on-polyethylene components, in order to avoid potentially lethal metal intoxication.