[Implant allergy register--a first report].
BACKGROUND
There are case reports about patients with metal implant allergy. However, large-scale observations regarding frequency and elicitors are lacking.


METHODS
For 5 years we have been collecting data in a metal allergy register. Information about history, clinical picture, and allergy test results in patients with suspected allergy to metal implants, mostly osteosynthesis and arthroplasty materials, is obtained by means of a special consultation and by report forms.


RESULTS
Major complaints of the 239 patients were pain (68.2%), swelling (42.1%), and erythema (33.5%). A metal allergy was found in 29.6% of the patients, and 24.8% were allergic to potential bone cement components. In addition, peculiar reactions such as a persistent inflammatory response to metal particles in nickel/cobalt-allergic patients or the disappearance of complaints upon revision surgery using titanium-based materials were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
After excluding causes such as infection or mechanical failure, allergy diagnosis using a patch test with implant metals and bone cement components is recommended in cases of suspected implant allergy.
Eben
R
R
Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, 80337, München, Deutschland. Ricarda.Eben@med.uni-muenchen.de
Walk
R
R
Summer
B
B
Maier
S
S
Thomsen
M
M
Thomas
P
P
D001843:Bone Cements; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015994:Incidence; D008670:Metals; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012042:Registries; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D001843:Bone Cements; D008670:Metals