Sensitivity to metals in 40 patients with failed hip endoprosthesis.
Hypersensitivity to metals and tissue reaction around a failed implant were investigated in 40 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. Metal sensitivity was tested using a standard cutaneous patch test. Nine patients were positive for chromium, nickel, cobalt, metal rust or endoprosthesis scrapings, or combinations of these allergens. Patients with positive or negative patch test did not differ in terms of their age, sex, primary diagnosis, number of endoprosthesis revisions, length of implant function, presence of other metal parts around the implant, circulating immunocomplexes, and histological appearance of the tissue around the implant. We conclude that stainless steel endoprostheses may be safely used for repeated revision hip arthroplasty, and that hypersensitivity to metals probably does not play a significant role in the loosening of the endoprosthesis.
Department of Dermatology, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, Croatia.
V
V
Milavec-Puretić
D
D
Orlić
A
A
Marusić
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017523:Croatia; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000009:adverse effects; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012882:Skin Tests; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002858:Chromium Alloys; D013193:Stainless Steel