64-year-old woman, former professional ballet dancer, presented for routine check-up after bilateral total hip replacements. The right hip was operated on 4 years ago and the left hip was operated on one year ago. Physical examination showed a healthy woman with a good range of motion of both hips.
Radiograph of the pelvis shows a metal-on-metal total hip replacement on the right side and an uncemented total hip replacement on the left side. Ultrasound of the right hip region shows a large collection in the soft tissues around the right hip with a fluid-debris level. No internal vascularization visible on colour Doppler. MRI shows a periprosthetic fluid-filled cavity with a diameter of more than 5 cm maximum diameter, a ‘fluid-fluid level’, and no oedema in the surrounding tissues.
Background:
In the 1990s second generation metal-on-metal hip replacements were introduced [1]. Metal-on-metal hip replacements were marketed as the solution for young and active patients because the expected long life expectancy of the metal-on-metal hip replacements due to minimal wear should result in a reduction of the expected number of revisions needed over a life time [2, 3].
Clinical perspective:
However, national joint registries in the UK and in Australia showed an unacceptable high revision rate [4]. Furthermore, exceptionally high levels of cobalt ions were measured in the blood of some patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements [5, 6]. The problem with metal-on-metal hip replacements is likely caused by metal debris which could result in high concentrations of metal ions in the blood and in locally adverse soft tissue reactions [1] also called pseudotumour, ALTS (Adverse Local Tissue Reaction), and ARMD (Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris). Histopathology shows an aseptic lymphocyte-dominated vasculitis-associated lesion (ALVAL) [3].
Imaging perspective:
In 2011 Anderson et al published a grading system for the severity of soft tissue changes associated with metal-on-metal hip replacement on MR [2]. Grade A: normal post-operative appearances including seromas and small haematomas. Grade B: fluid-filled cavity with high signal T2 wall; inflammatory changes in the soft tissues. Grade C1 (mild Metal-on-Metal Disease): periprosthetic soft tissue mass with no hyperintense T2-weighted fluid signal or fluid-filled peri-prosthetic cavity; either less than 5 cm in maximum diameter. Grade C2 (moderate Metal-on-Metal Disease): periprosthetic soft tissue mass/fluid-filled cavity greater than 5 cm diameter or C1 lesion with either of the following (1) muscle atrophy or oedema in any muscle other than short external rotators or (2) bone marrow oedema (hyperintense on STIR). Grade 3 (severe Metal-on-Metal Disease): any of the following (1) fluid-filled cavity extending through deep fasci, (2) a tendon avulsion, (3) intermediate T1-weighted soft tissue cortical or marrow signal, (4) fracture.
Teaching points:
The prevalence of pseudotumour formation in patients with a metal-on-metal hip replacement, i.e. total hip arthroplasty or hip resurfacing arthroplasty, has been reported in up to 71% of patients [1, 7]. However, the presence of symptoms does not seem to correlate with the presence or the size of a pseudotumour [1].
Pseudotumour due to moderate metal-on-metal disease.
Based on the provided bilateral hip joint X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI images, the following observations are made:
Based on the patient’s history of metal-on-metal hip replacement and current imaging findings, consider the following differential diagnoses:
Taking into account the patient’s age, history of bilateral metal-on-metal hip replacement, and current imaging features, the most likely diagnosis is:
“Suspected metal-on-metal hip prosthesis-related pseudotumor”
Given that the patient currently exhibits mild symptoms, good range of motion, and no significant muscle destruction or large-scale bone changes, it is recommended to regularly follow up the serum metal ion levels (e.g., cobalt, chromium) along with imaging to monitor the lesion’s progression. If the pseudotumor expands or symptoms worsen, more aggressive intervention or revision surgery may be warranted.
Since the patient has a background in dance and a high baseline of physical activity, it remains crucial to tailor a gradual, individualized exercise program considering the bilateral hip prostheses:
In summary, based on the current imaging findings and the patient’s good clinical status, we recommend regular follow-up and moderate functional exercises. If any significant symptoms develop or the lesion appears to progress, a second imaging evaluation and further intervention should be promptly considered.
Disclaimer: This report is a reference analysis based on the available clinical and imaging data. It does not replace in-person consultation or professional medical advice. If you have any concerns or if your condition changes, please seek medical attention promptly.
Pseudotumour due to moderate metal-on-metal disease.