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Researchers identify method to assess extent of titanium leaks from implants

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Spanish researchers have developed a new strategy to assist physicians in quantifying the levels of titanium in the blood of patients fitted with titanium orthopedic implants, according to a study published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.

“The simplicity of the methodology based on isotope dilution analysis and the accuracy and precision of the obtained results should encourage the use of the proposed strategy on a routine basis,” Yoana Nuevo-Ordonez, PhD, and colleagues wrote.

The team collected blood from 40 healthy individuals and 37 patients with titanium implants. Fifteen patients had tibia implants, 8 had femur implants and 14 had humerus implants. The researchers’ new method for assessing blood titanium levels involves isotope dilution analysis via a double-focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

According to the journal press release, the authors found hat control individuals had “very low” levels of titanium in their blood — whereas titanium concentrations were “significantly higher” for all patients with implants. Sensitivity of the method used was reportedly such that researchers were also able to show significant differences in titanium levels for different types of bone fixation devices. More invasive implants reportedly shed more metallic debris into the blood than external, superficial designs.

Further findings in the study include identification of the transportation method titanium uses to get from the implant to the bloodstream, as well as how that titanium is distributed and accumulated.

“The development of a post-column isotope dilution strategy permitted quantitative characterization of the [titanium]-transporting biomolecules in human serum,” the authors wrote, noting that 99.8% of titanium in unspiked serum is bound to the protein transferrin.

Reference:

• Nuevo-Ordóñez Y, Montes-Bayón M, Blanco-Gonzalez E, et al. Titanium release in serum of patients with different bone fixation implants and its interaction with serum biomolecules at physiological levels. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2011. doi: 10.1007/s00216-011-5232-8

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