Metal sensitivity in patients treated for tibial fractures with plates of stainless steel.
In three patients a local dermatitis developed 3-3 1/2 months after tibial osteosynthesis with plates and screws of stainless steel 316 L (AO). Two of the patients had a positive patch test for chromium (and cobalt) and one for nickel. Infection was not indicated and it is suggested that the dermatitis was caused by a metallic sensitivity. The skin affection disappeared after removal of the metal.
D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects; D002857:Chromium / Q000009:adverse effects; D003035:Cobalt / Q000009:adverse effects; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D011859:Radiography; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D008670:Metals; D002857:Chromium; D013193:Stainless Steel; D003035:Cobalt; D009532:Nickel