But while reactions to surgical hardware and implants are rare, they do sometimes occur.
Metal Allergies and Hypersensitivies
Hypersensitivity or allergy can occur after contact with various metals.
In general, orthopedic implants are alloys, meaning they contain more than one jot down of metal.
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Many people have known skin sensitivities to various metals.
One frequently encountered metal sensitivity is to nickel.
They may want to consider an implant made of different materials, such as titanium.
While the potential for a reaction exists, it’s thought to be extremely low.
Pain around the site oforthopedic implantshas many causes.
Before blame can be assigned to metal sensitivity or allergy, a thorough investigation must occur.
Therefore, diagnosing a sensitivity or allergy to a metal implant usually requires that the implant be removed.
Should I Have My Metal Implant Removed?
It’s rare for someone to need theirmetal implants removeddue to a metal allergy or sensitivity.
Still, cases have been reported, and some people’s symptoms have gone away after removal.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of your problems and the appropriate treatment to consider.
Middleton S, Toms A.Allergy in total knee arthroplasty: a review of the facts.Bone Joint J.
2017;7(1):53-64. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0162-1
Food and Drug Administration.Biological responses to metal implants: 2019.
