Regenexx Logo

High Chromium Levels in a Hip Replacement Patient

By
Published on

Is there such a thing as hip replacement chromium poisoning? I’ve blogged before about how wear particles in all types of joint replacements can make their way into the blood stream. Researchers have found metal ions in the blood of knee replacement patients. They also now advise allergy testing against the most common metals used in hip and knee replacements (including chromium), as many patients were found to be allergic. I frankly have never had a first hand experience with this issue, reading the research in the abstract like most physicians. However, recently a patient came in with a hip replacement and asked me to check his chromium levels. I obliged, frankly unsure as to what I would find. I thought maybe his levels would be slightly elevated if at all. I was blown away when it came back as above, almost 3 times the upper limits of normal!  How much is too much? Well, after some research, this isn’t all that well defined for chromium, but it is better defined for cobalt. We will be measuring his cobalt levels, as these two go in tandem for hip replacement patients. Below is the list of symptoms related to toxicity for both:

Box 1: Some reported symptoms of arthroprosthetic cobaltism7
  • Tinnitus
  • Deafness
  • Vertigo
  • Visual disturbances
  • Skin rashes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Tremor
  • Dyspnoea on exertion
  • Mood disorders
  • Dementia
  • Heart failure
  • Peripheral neuropathy

The upshot? These elevated levels of serum cobalt and chromium are for real, so if you’ve had a joint replacement, getting them checked may be a good idea.

Learn More About Regenexx® Procedures
Request a digital booklet and more information to learn about alternatives to orthopedic surgery and the Regenexx patient experience.
We do not sell, or share your information to third party vendors. By submitting the form you agree that you've read and consent to our Privacy Policy.
Chris Centeno, MD is a specialist in regenerative medicine and the new field of Interventional Orthopedics. Centeno pioneered orthopedic stem cell procedures in 2005 and is responsible for a large amount of the published research on stem cell use for orthopedic applications. View Profile

If you have questions or comments about this blog post, please email us at [email protected]

NOTE: This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and related subjects. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if a treatment is right for you.

TO TOP