SENSITIVITY TO METALS IN 40 PATIENTS WITH FAILED HIP ENDOPROSTHESIS

Hypersensitivity to metals and tissue reaction around a failed implant were investigated in 40 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty . Metal sensitivity was tested using a standard cutaneous patch test. Nine patients were positive for chromium, nickel, cobalt, metal rust o r endoprosthesis scrapings, or combinations of these allergens. Patien ts with positive or negative patch test did not differ in terms of the ir age, sex, primary diagnosis, number of endoprosthesis revisions, le ngth of implant function, presence of other metal parts around the imp lant, circulating immunocomplexes, and histological appearance of the tissue around the implant. We conclude that stainless steel endoprosth eses may be safely used for repeated revision hip arthroplasty, and th at hypersensitivity to metals probably does not play a significant rol e in the loosening of the endoprosthesis.