Total hip arthroplasty with metasul articulation

Abstract

Metasul is the brand name for metal-on-metal articulation manufactured by Sulzer Orthopedics. The reason for having a metal-on-metal articulation is to reduce the volume of wear particles that are produced with total hip replacement. The outcome of reduced particle formation will, hopefully, be reduced osteolysis. The surgical technique for a Metasul total hip replacement articulation is the same as hip replacement with any other articulation surface. The acetabular insert and the femoral head must be Metasul components so that the metal, the clearance of the femoral head and the acetabulum, and the contact areas match. Otherwise, point contact could occur with excessive wear. Currently, we perform total hip replacements with Metasul articulation in all patients below the age of 75 years. We perform the surgery with a minimally invasive incision that varies from 2½ to 4 in depending on the thickness of the thigh. The technique for acetabular preparation in Metasul implantation is described in this article.