Retrospective evaluation of patch testing before or after metal device implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To review the results of patch testing before or after metal device implantation.


METHODS
Retrospective medical chart review.


METHODS
Tertiary care academic medical center.


METHODS
All patients who underwent patch testing before or after metal device implantation.


METHODS
Patch testing.


RESULTS
From January 1999 through March 2006, 44 patients underwent patch testing in conjunction with metal device implantation, 22 preoperatively and 22 postoperatively. The reason for preoperative patch testing was a history of allergy to metals. Five patients had positive results for a component of the proposed device. The reasons for postoperative patch testing were unexplained skin eruptions at the implantation site (13 patients), chronic joint pain (8 patients), and joint loosening (1 patient). None of the patients had positive patch test results to a component of the previously implanted device.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the numbers of patients in this study were small, patch testing performed before metal device implantation was helpful in guiding the choice of device selected. Patch testing after implantation was of limited value.
Reed
Kurtis B
KB
College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Davis
Mark D P
MD
Nakamura
Krystal
K
Hanson
Linda
L
Richardson
Donna M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000485:Allergens; D008670:Metals