The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 26, Issue 4 , Pages 665.e13-665.e16, June 2011

Dermatitis Associated With Chromium Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

  • Xiang Gao, MD
    • ,
  • Rong-xin He, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Rong-xin He, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, 88 Jie Fang Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
    • ,
  • Shi-gui Yan, MD
    • ,
  • Li-dong Wu, MD

Received 6 February 2010; accepted 9 June 2010. published online 20 July 2010.

Abstract 

All metal implants release metal ions because of corrosion. Although 20% to 25% of patients develop metal sensitivity after total joint arthroplasty, which is 10% higher than that in the general population, only very few highly susceptible patients exhibit symptoms. Even patients with known metal allergy often do not react to their metal prosthesis. Systemic allergic contact dermatitis is particularly uncommon with total knee arthroplasty because there is no metal-on-metal contact between the femoral and tibial components. We present a case report of 62-year-old man with dermatitis most likely caused by chromium after total knee arthroplasty and review the relevant literature. Although this complication is very rare, it sometimes can be painful enough for the patient to undergo revision surgery.

Keywords: dermatitis, metal ions, hypersensitivity, total knee arthroplasty, replacement

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 No benefits or funds were received in support of the study.

PII: S0883-5403(10)00347-5

doi:10.1016/j.arth.2010.06.002

The Journal of Arthroplasty
Volume 26, Issue 4 , Pages 665.e13-665.e16, June 2011

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