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Carcinogenic Risks of Metal Implants and Prostheses

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Biocompatibility of Co-Cr-Ni Alloys

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 171))

Abstract

Case reports of malignant tumors at sites of metal implants in humans and domestic dogs are reviewed; the results of carcinogenesis bioassays of implanted metallic nickel, chromium, and cobalt powders and alloys are summarized, and in vitro studies relevant to the carcinogenicity of metallic compounds and alloys are briefly discussed. These considerations suggest that local sarcomas may constitute a rare complication of orthopedic implants and prostheses fabricated of Ni, Cr, or Co alloys. The author recommends (a) that implant manufacturers and surgeons develop and use prostheses with minimal susceptibility to metal corrosion and wear; (b) that an international registry of implant-associated tumors be established; and (c) that epidemiological studies be undertaken to quantify cancer risks in patients with metal implants.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, Connecticut, 06032, USA

    F. William Sunderman Jr.

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  1. F. William Sunderman Jr.
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lille, France

    Hartmut F. Hildebrand

  2. University Hospital Center of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France

    Maxime Champy

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© 1988 Plenum Press, New York

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Sunderman, F.W. (1988). Carcinogenic Risks of Metal Implants and Prostheses. In: Hildebrand, H.F., Champy, M. (eds) Biocompatibility of Co-Cr-Ni Alloys. NATO ASI Series, vol 171. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0757-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0757-0_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-8067-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0757-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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