Mayo Clinic
Slightly elevated blood metal levels have been found in adults undergoing hip and knee replacement. It is unknown whether pediatric patients with metal implant(plates/screws/rods) have elevated blood metal levels. This may have an impact on practice if children have high blood metal levels with routine orthopedic implants. If researchers find elevated metal levels, they may recommend patients to have the plates removed or may switch to a different type of metal. Further work on this topic is needed.
Metal implants are routinely placed in children for treatment of fracture or deformity. Long-term effects of indwelling metal implants are not well-understood. Data from this study will provide guidances as to whether some metals are safer for children (stainless vs. titanium alloys). In addition, we will document the presence of serum ion concentration for children with metal implants in place and whether this resolves after implant removal. Tissues adjacent to implants will be evaluated for signs of metallosis and wear debris. Presence of metallosis will be correlated with serum ion concentr…
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 4 years - 18 years * Stainless steel, titanium or titanium-alloy based implants, scheduled for surgery * De novo surgery where titanium implant placement Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant infection
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