Research Health risks due to released nanoparticles from hip prostheses

Release of nanoparticles from artificial hip joints investigated

Every year, thousands of people in Germany receive artificial hip joints. The implants should restore the function of the joint and avoid further discomfort wherever possible. However, in the long run, material from the implants may transfer to the tissue and cause significant discomfort.

Which particles from the endoprosthesis can be detected in tissue and what their consequences are was examined in a study involving scientists from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Using the example of a patient with a tantalum-bearing hip joint, the research team headed by Jutta Tentschert and Andreas Luch from the BfR analyzed how the metal particles from hip prostheses spread in human tissue. The results of the study were published in the journal "Nanomedicine".

Artificial hip joints can release particles into the tissue that cause health problems. (Image: familie-eisenlohr.de/fotolia.com)

Released particles can lead to health problems

"Implants, also known as endoprostheses, have become indispensable in modern medicine," emphasize the experts at BfR. With the endoprostheses damaged joints can be replaced, which made life easier for many people. However, released particles from the implants can lead to medical problems. This had also happened to the patient whose case the researchers analyzed for their study. The artificial hip joint had to be removed because of complications.

Metals and alloys detected in nanoparticulate form

In their investigations, the scientists were able to detect various metals and alloys in nanoparticulate form, which had moved from the implant into the surrounding tissue. By means of elemental analysis, the researchers determined "the identity and size of the particles tantalum, cobalt, titanium, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum and aluminum" and "in addition, the distribution in the tissue was examined and evaluated," according to the BfR. For their study, the working group was awarded by the German Society of Endoprosthetics and the Endoprosthetics Foundation.

Outstanding contribution to applied nanotechnology research

The findings on the interactions between implant, wear and corrosion products and the living human tissue in the future, the quality of the endoprostheses and thus the health consumer protection can be further improved, so the researchers hope. The now excellent investigation is an outstanding contribution to applied nanotechnology research, quoted BfR President Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel from the reasoning of the jury.

Understand interactions better

Fundamentally, modern materials play a special role in implants and the wear must be as low as possible, since the prostheses are to remain in the body for a lifetime, explain the experts. In the view of the BfR researchers, the interactions between the implant and its wear and corrosion products with human tissue must be even more closely monitored and monitored in future in order to improve the safety of implants. (Fp)