Careful examination of the scientific and clinical literature suggests ....

Careful examination of the scientific and clinical literature suggests that implant materials commonly used for fixation and joint reconstruction are not entirely inert. Accumulation of particulate debris is to some extent going to occur in all patients who have large prosthetic devices. This necessarily includes the distinct possibility of systemic and remote site exposure to these foreign objects that the body attempts to neutralize and excrete. Due to the heightened immunologic surveillance and/or or possible storage of particulate metal matter in sites remote from the implantation site, patients with total hip arthroplasty may be added risk for remote malignancies, particularly of the lymphoreticular system. The incidence of primary mesenchymal tumors in close proximity to implants appears to be consistent with the incidence in the general public. The frequency of occurrence and the associated individual and group risks of systemic and remote site malignancy remains unresolved.