Implant-derived metals found in cerebrospinal fluid

Medical Xpress / JAMA Network Open ^ | April 1, 2025 | Justin Jackson / Anastasia Rakow et al

[ConservativeMind]

Research has found that metal particles from artificial joint implants can enter the central nervous system and accumulate in cerebrospinal fluid, raising concerns about potential neurological effects.

Modern implants are designed for durability.

Over time, wear and corrosion of these materials can release microscopic particles into surrounding tissue.

Emerging concerns point to the possibility of metal particles entering the bloodstream and affecting organs far from the implant.

In the study, researchers conducted a single-site cross-sectional study to determine whether metals from joint implants can be found in cerebrospinal fluid and bloodstream.

Cobalt levels in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly higher in patients with joint implants than in matched controls. Strong correlations were observed between cobalt levels in cerebrospinal fluid and those in serum and whole blood, suggesting systemic exposure may be reaching the central nervous system.

Patients with implants also exhibited higher levels of chromium, titanium, niobium, and zirconium in blood and serum. In cerebrospinal fluid, titanium, niobium, and zirconium levels were significantly elevated, but only when serum levels of these metals were also increased.

Patients with implant components containing cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys had the highest cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of both cobalt and chromium. Cobalt levels in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly elevated even among patients with implants in place for less than ten years. Pain in the joint containing the implant was also associated with higher cobalt levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

No increase in cerebrospinal fluid metal levels was observed in patients with implants lacking cobalt-chromium-molybdenum components. Patients with cemented implants showed elevated levels of zirconium in blood and serum, though not in cerebrospinal fluid. Aluminum did not appear elevated in the implant group despite being present in certain implant alloys.

Findings indicate that metal particles released from joint implants can accumulate in the central nervous system, especially those containing cobalt-chromium-molybdenum.

[ConservativeMind]

If going for an implant, remember this:

“No increase in cerebrospinal fluid metal levels was observed in patients with implants lacking cobalt-chromium-molybdenum components.”

I would find out the materials used to specifically make the wear surfaces. There are alternative now available. Zirconium is one.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Beowulf9]

Great.

[Strict9]

they say that by the time you die, you have enough plastic in your brain to make a spork. We are all going to die of something - nobody gets out alive.

[Bob434]

I like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder

[immadashell]

Ping

[MayflowerMadam]

I’m screwed.

[Larry Lucido]

I always heard it as I like smoking lightning.

[Larry Lucido]

“I gotta have a central nervous system.”

Kramer

[9YearLurker]

I’d imagine from tooth implants and whatnot as well?

[The Duke]

"I’m screwed."

My too. Maybe my titanium hips will eventually kill me, but they will have been well worth the many years of quality life they've given me.

My hips were "installed" nine years ago. A few months ago I went in for a check-up, and the x-rays showed zero wear over all that time. Those things are truly a modern miracle.

[Palio di Siena]

I’m 74 - new knee 2 years ago.
miserable operation and rehab but 100% would do it again.

[null and void]

they say that by the time you die, you have enough plastic in your brain to make a spork.

[MayflowerMadam]

My first fake hip in 1985 was molybdenum, which is mentioned in the article. It was replaced in 2005. Other hip was replaced in 2020. Both current hips have titanium — and probably some other stuff. Cadaver, too, I’m told.

Definitely quality of life is the big thing. Not being able to walk for the last 40 years — can’t even imagine.

[Hattie]

Spouse has 50 year old metal in one hip and 45 year in the other. Will be 98yo
next month and has no dementia, just usual slowing down walking with cane or walker

[linMcHlp]

bttt

[telescope115]

Thanks for this; my wife had one knee replacement surgery about 7 years ago. She needs the other replaced later this year. I’ll remember to ask the surgeon about the composition of the replacement, and if alternatives are available.

[telescope115]

For whatever it’s worth- one of my uncles had a hip replacement surgery in his 80s. He recovered, went to therapy, drove a car well into his 90s, his mind was sharp until ha was almost 100, and he started having cognitive issues.

He was wounded at Guadalcanal in WWII, recovered, came home and had a successful life, raised a family, and live to 102. Now THAT was one tough guy!

The only thing….he was a strong democrat all the way to the end.

[MayflowerMadam]

“THAT was one tough guy!”

That generation ... pretty impressive!

The day after Mom’s 98th birthday, she broke her hip and they did a replacement. Surprised me that they’d do it considering her age, but her heart was strong and she was spunky. She did fine, too. But she died last April 15, three months before 100th.

[telescope115]

You are blessed to have had her so long. My Mom passed in ‘86 from stroke related complications. She was in her early sixties.