Degradation of implants

The aim of the projects is analysis and identification of degradation products from implants, as well as development of new test methods for detection of possible immunological responses in patients. This activity is a partnership with the clinical environment and basic research activities

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Photo: Biomat UiB

Tissue and blood analysis in patients with orthopedic implant failure: Identification of wear debris and tissue response The hypotheses are:

The hypotheses are:

  • The nature of failures of joint prostheses is reflected in blood concentrations of metallic elements.
  • Degradation products in periprosthetic tissue from failed joint prostheses provide information about the failure mechanism.

Recent studies have shown that large amounts of minute nano- to micron-sized wear particles are produced by orthopedic implants, setting into motion a cascade of events that ultimately may result in osteolysis, possibly leading to failure of artificial joints. Determination of the concentrations of metal particles and ions in tissue and blood may be useful in the diagnosis of patients with symptoms after total joint replacement, as increased levels can be indicative of mechanical dysfunction or wear (Høl et al. 2006; Høl et al. 2008).

Tissue surrounding the joint along with blood samples are collected and stored in the established Peri-prosthetic Tissue Bank. The degradation products in the biological material are characterized and quantified using:

Additionally, retrieved tissue will be analyzed for biological reactions, such as lymphocyte and macrophage responses, by immunohistochemical techniques. The cellular effects of nanoparticles released from surgical implants are currently being studied in a parallel set of studies related to nanotoxicology (external link), an activity that is associated with our group.

Ongoing project: Monitoring of elemental levels in blood for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing prosthesis

In a prospective study that started late 2009, we are the recruiting patients receiving joint replacements that preserve the femur and only replace joint surfaces with metal-on-metal components (so-called shell replacements, or "resurfacing"). They are usually given to younger patients because the prosthesis provides restoration of a  relatively normal head size with a durable bearing material, therefore allowing higher activity levels than standard prostheses. These prostheses are known for higher metal release than metal-on-plastic joint replacements, and it is therefore necessary to monitor the level of metals in blood samples in conjunction with routine controls.

Completed project:

Immune response to implants

It is controversial whether implanted material can cause clinical immune-mediated reactions in patients. The substances involved are largely unknown, and not necessarily covered by the standard dermatological patch tests commonly employed for assessment of skin sensitivity. Based on metal-based test substances developed by us (Vamanu et al. 2008), experimental patient testing using flow cytometry to assess lymphocyte stimulation and multiplex bead assay to assess monocytic and lymphatic cytokines and chemokines has been explored (Høl PJ, Kristoffersen EK, Gjerdet NR, Pellowe AS. Novel Nanoparticulate and Ionic Titanium Antigens for Hypersensitivity Testing. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(4). doi: 10.3390/ijms19041101).

Participants:

Paul J. Høl (UiB/Helse Bergen); Geir Hallan (UiB/Helse Bergen); Kari Indrekvam (UiB/Helse Bergen-Kysthospitalet).

Last updated: 11.09.2025