Elevated Titanium Levels After Revision Total Hip Caused by Previously Unreported Mechanism.

INTRODUCTION

Metallosis from total hip arthroplasty is usually due to trunnionosis and is associated with elevated serum cobalt and chromium levels. Titanium levels usually remain normal.

METHODS

Here, we report two rare cases of elevated titanium levels, both with the same mechanism, which is a previously unreported cause of titanium metallosis.

RESULTS

In these cases, contact between cables and the titanium stem were the source.

DISCUSSION

Reports of isolated high titanium levels associated with total hip arthroplasty are rare. These cases illustrate a new mechanism from which this situation may arise.