title: NICKEL ALLERGY: Surgeons Beware.
abstract: When performing an orthopaedic device implantation, it should be routine practice for the surgeon to ask the patient if he or she has a metal allergy, and more specifically a nickel allergy. Ask the patient about costume jewelry or button reactions. If it is an elective surgery, obtain a confirmatory test with the aid of a dermatologist or allergist. It is recommended to use a non-nickel implant if the surgery is urgent, the patient has a confirmed allergy, or the patient does not want to undergo testing, as these implants are readily available in 2015. Finally, if the patient has a painful joint arthroplasty and all other causes have been ruled out, order a metal allergy test to aid in diagnosis.
authors.forename: Jeremie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Axe
authors.forename: Nathan J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Sinz
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Axe
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D009532:Nickel / Q000276:immunology*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D009532:Nickel