EFFECTS OF METALLIC DEBRIS ON ADULT BOVINE ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTE METABOLISM IN-VITRO

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of particles, der ived from metals commonly used in joint prostheses, on chondrocyte pro liferation, metabolism, and morphology in vitro. Chondrocyte viability was influenced by the type and concentration of metal particle added. Cobalt was toxic to chondrocytes at all particle concentrations (0.83 -0.000083%, v/v), whereas the chromium, titanium and titanium-aluminum particles only effected chondrocyte viability at high concentrations. The metabolic response of chondrocytes to particulate debris as asses sed by caseinase, collagenase, and hexosaminidase activities were vari able at low concentrations but were always reduced at high concentrati ons (0.83% v/v). Prostaglandin E2 levels in the medium showed a steady increase when particle load increased, except in the medium of chondr ocytes exposed to titanium-aluminum. Scanning electron microscopy of c hondrocytes exposed to titanium showed ruffled cell borders and freque nt membrane blebbings. This was in contrast to chondrocytes exposed to cobalt, where the crenated appearance indicated cell death, and titan ium-aluminum, where the cells appeared quiescent. These findings show that metal particles alter chondrocyte viability and metabolism and su ggest that particulate debris may influence the integrity and stabilit y of articular cartilage following hemiarthroplasty. (C) 1994 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.