Morbidity After Metal Allergy to a Total Ankle Implant.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2020

Abstract

Metal allergy to total ankle arthroplasty is rare but can be both an unpredictable and devastating complication. Current literature describing metal allergy in orthopaedics is limited with there being no report to date on metal allergy after total ankle arthroplasty. Our patient underwent a total ankle arthroplasty and developed a diffuse rash 7 weeks postoperatively. The patient then tested positive for a metal allergy and ultimately was converted to an arthrodesis. In the setting of postoperative pain, swelling, erythema, or rash, it is important that metal allergy be on the differential diagnosis. Interestingly, when the patient here underwent allergy testing, only the articulating sides of the implant caused a positive reaction. Thus, allergy testing of both the articular and nonarticular sides of the component is of the utmost importance, as evidenced by the discrepancy found in this case.

Volume

13

Issue

6

First Page

502

Last Page

507

ISSN

1938-7636

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

32840132

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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