Systematic dissemination of metal particulates from the joint space of patients with total arthroplasty

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Publication Type honors thesis
School or College College of Science
Department Biology
Thesis Supervisor Roy D. Bloebaum
Honors Advisor/Mentor James L. Lords
Creator Lundeen, Gregory Andrew
Title Systematic dissemination of metal particulates from the joint space of patients with total arthroplasty
Date 1995-06
Year graduated 1995
Description Twenty-four patients with a history of primary joint replacement followed by a lymph node dissection procedure were studied. These specimens included pelvic, gastric, para-aortic, and axillary lymph node chains. The lymph nodes were sectioned, processed for electron microscopy and viewed with back scattered electron imaging. The gray level was calibrated to visualize only structures higher in atomic number than aluminum. Upon detection of a particle, energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis was conducted to determine its elemental composition. Eight of twenty-four specimens demonstrated metal alloy particles within the lymph nodes. In each case, the metal alloy identified corresponded with the implanted type of alloy. The shortest interval between joint implantation and dissemination of metal to a lymph node chain was six months. Two of the positive lymph nodes came from the right axillary region indicating systemic dissemination of particles from the joint space. Metals associated with artificial joints have been shown to have adverse effects in human and animal models. Widespread metal particle dissemination could have negative implications for these patients, and close follow-up will be necessary.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Arthroplasty; Artificial joints
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Gregory Andrew Lundeen
Format Medium application/pdf
ARK ark:/87278/s67x0hr2
Setname ir_htca
ID 1348871
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s67x0hr2