Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40244464›Full record

SynthesisArchives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery2025

Metal-on-metal arthroplasty, cobalt toxicity, and development of cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

Mostafa Beshr, Phyo Kyaw Myint, Iain Rankin, Cameron Stephen, Adithya Varma, Luke Farrow

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mostafa BeshrNHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. beshrmostafa@gmail.com.
Phyo Kyaw MyintInstitute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
Iain RankinNHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK.
Cameron StephenNHS Education for Scotland, Aberdeen, UK.
Adithya VarmaNHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK.
Luke FarrowNHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundNeurological dysfunction secondary to cobalt toxicity has been described as a potential complication of metal on metal (MoM) arthroplasty, however, to date the full extent of this association remains unclear. Currently, no national guideline on the management or follow-up of MoM arthroplasty patients recommends monitoring for potential insidious cognitive decline or long term consequences. The aim of this study was to summarise the available evidence regarding the relationship between MoM arthroplasty associated cobalt toxicity and cognitive impairment (CI).

methodsA systematic review of literature describing cobalt concentrations associated with neurocognitive symptoms in patients with MoM implants was undertaken. The study was registered with PROSPERO on the 18th July 2023 (CRD42023436880), in concordance with PRISMA guidelines. The Downs and Black Checklist assessed the risk of bias and evidence quality. Primary outcomes were reports of CI and blood cobalt concentration at presentation and following revision surgery.

resultsOf 361 records identified, 15 relevant publications were included. Downs and Black Checklist assessment revealed that few high-quality studies currently exist. A clear association between MoM arthroplasty and CI, across varied follow up periods, was described by all 15 studies. Mean serum cobalt concentrations at presentation of CI were 9.75ug- 625ug, however no threshold cobalt concentration was identified. Over 85% of papers which recorded post-revision outcomes reported partial, if not complete, resolution of pre-operative CI following revision surgery.

conclusionsThis study provides the first robust systematic examination of the evidence surrounding metal on metal arthroplasty, cobalt toxicity, and potential CI. While further research is required to evaluate the exact nature of this relationship, our findings suggest that national and international guidelines should highlight the possible cognitive dysfunction secondary to MoM arthroplasty associated cobalt toxicity, including the need for routine assessment of cognitive function in those who received MoM implants.

Indexed as

Arthroplasty, Replacement, HipCobaltCognitive DysfunctionMetal-on-Metal Joint ProsthesesHumansCobaltArthroplastyCobalt toxicityCognitiveDementiaMetal

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.