Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy

For years, surgeons have known that metal sensitivity can occur after total knee replacement.  It can lead to a dissatisfied patient who has a loss of function.  Our surgeons use advance surface technology to treat total knees that fail from metal sensitivity.  With more patients getting total joint replacements, why add another risk factor to have a failure. 

Currently, data shows that Nickel has the highest rate of allergic reaction, with up to 10% of the population having this allergy.  Less common allergic reactions have been seen to Cobalt and Chrome.  Where other surgeons may not know, our surgeons all offer the capability of doing the newest advanced surfaces to help keep you and your knee with a piece of mind.

Metal sensitivty can be seen on the skin after a total knee replacement in an implant that contains nickel

Testing and Diagnosis

There are various ways to test for Nickel allergy.  The first is to look at the clinical exam and laboratory findings.  An ESR and CRP blood work panel must be performed to rule out an infection of the joint.  If this is negative or if all testing for joint infection return negative, the next thing to do metal allergy testing.  This is usually done with a cutaenous skin patch test, as seen on the image on the right.  When looking closely, one can see that in the top left corner, there is a positive reaction to nickel.

A cutaneous skin patch test showing a nickel allergy in a patient with a total knee replacement that caused residual pain.

Treatment

Once the appropriate diagnosis is made, a revision knee replacement will likely have to be performed.  Currently, there are only a select group of companies who carry implants that are possible to use in this revision scenario.  While diagnosis may take a long time, our surgeons are all trained in using the advanced surfaces to prevent metal and nickel sensitivity problems from occuring again.  Call us today to meet our surgeons and discuss your options today!

Knee replacement technology to limit metal ion escape and prevent allergic reaction usually due to nickel.

---

Click on the picture below to be directed to the Advanced Surface Technology brochure!

Advance Surface Technology Surgeons for Total Knee Replacement and Knee Revision Surgery