Neurology in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty a case of suspected prosthetic hip-associated cobalt toxicity

Abstract

Metal-on-Metal hip arthroplasty was a frequently performed procedure, until concerns raised. Metal ion concentrations raise after the placement of a MoM prosthesis. This might lead to toxic concentrations of cobalt ions which might result in cardiotoxicity, thyroid toxicity and/or neuro-ocular toxicity. It is possible that raised cobalt and chromium concentrations have a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob. We describe a patient with a MoM prosthesis who developed neurological symptoms were we thought of cobalt intoxication but turned out to be Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease.