For Immediate Release
Oct. 25, 2025
Study Comparing Fluid Levels of Metal Ions in Patients who Underwent Cemented Primary TKA Receives the Young Investigator’s Award
Oct. 25, 2025 (Dallas, TX) – An award-winning study was presented at the 2025 AAHKS Annual Meeting: Synovial Metal Ions in “Nickel Free” vs. Standard Cobalt-Chrome Containing Total Knee Replacement. This study received the AAHKS James A. Rand, MD, Young Investigator’s Award, which recognizes young investigators who demonstrate clinical excellence in knee-related research.
Lead author Michael E. Neufeld, MD, MSc, FRCSC and co-authors Gerard A. Sheridan, MD, Arsh Sidhu, MD, Lisa C. Howard, MD, FRCSC, Nelson V. Greidanus, MD, Bassam Masri, MD, Donald S. Garbuz, MD conducted a study to compare intraarticular synovial fluid levels of metal ions in patients who underwent cemented primary TKA with a hypoallergenic implant vs. a matched cohort of standard cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) containing implants at minimum two-year follow-up.
A total of 22 cases and 18 controls were included, with a median follow-up of 4.9 years. Cases and controls were matched for age, sex, BMI, ASA, indication, component design, patellar resurfacing and follow-up.
In conclusion, the median Ni ion level in the synovial fluid of the hypoallergenic cases was 3.6 times higher than the controls. Co ion levels in the hypoallergenic cases were 17.7 times lower vs. the controls, and the synovial Cr ion levels of the hypoallergenic cases were 3.2 times lower vs. controls.
“It is a profound honor to receive this award at what is widely recognized as the preeminent scientific forum for hip and knee arthroplasty. Given the increasingly debated issue of metal allergy/hypersensitivity and the emerging concern regarding adverse local tissue reactions to metal debris, our study sought to address a notable gap in the existing literature. In light of our findings and their potential implications for both metal hypersensitivity and adverse local tissue responses, further rigorous and definitive research in this domain is clearly warranted,” said Michael E. Neufeld, MD, MSc, FRCSC.
Abstract: AAHKS James A. Rand, MD, Young Investigator’s Award Abstract
About the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
Established in 1991, the mission of AAHKS is to be the definitive global authority on excellence in hip and knee care. AAHKS has a membership of over 5,500 surgeons and other hip and knee health care professionals.
Contact:
Kenneth Robinson, Communications Manager
KRobinson@AAHKS.org
