Neuropathy Caused by Metal Hypersensitivity after Placement of Stainless Steel Plate

Metal hypersensitivity is a rare complication for implants especially with neuropathy involvement. There was not any previous report suggesting metal hypersensitivity manifested in the form of neuropathy or tendinopathy from metal plate implantation. Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old female w...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sunyarn Niempoog, Seksan Kukreja
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2020-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Orthopedics
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/9789021
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Metal hypersensitivity is a rare complication for implants especially with neuropathy involvement. There was not any previous report suggesting metal hypersensitivity manifested in the form of neuropathy or tendinopathy from metal plate implantation. Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old female with chronic ulnar wrist pain and unremarkable physical and radiological findings. Ulna shortening osteotomy with small stainless steel-made DCP and screw fixation was done. On the third day postoperative, the patient developed pain, swelling, ulnar neuropathy, and flexor tendon contracture. Severe adhesion was found around the implant and the ulnar nerve. Minimal skin patch testing reaction and pathological study suggest a cell-mediated delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction. A titanium-made LCP was later implanted in place of the stainless steel-made DCP. The patient’s clinical status significantly improved after the operation. Metal hypersensitivity in this patient was unprecedented and unique. The severity of the reaction and its location close to the ulnar nerve may predispose to the intensity of the reaction.
ISSN:2090-6749
2090-6757