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Case report 706: Silicone-induced reactive synovitis.
M Bansal1, A B Goldman, P G Bullough
1Department of Pathology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York.
Skeletal Radiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Swollen joints after silicone prosthesis disruption may indicate silicone-induced reactive synovitis. Early diagnosis requires suspecting this condition to identify silicone particles, preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Rheumatology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Silicone elastomer prostheses are used in joint replacements.
- Prosthesis disruption can lead to complications.
- Reactive synovitis is a potential complication of foreign materials.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman experienced painful swelling 5 years after trapeziometacarpal prosthesis implantation.
- The silicone prosthesis was disrupted.
- Clinical presentation suggested a specific inflammatory condition.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed silicone-induced reactive synovitis.
- Diagnosis relies on identifying silicone particulate matter via microscopy.
- Preoperative suspicion is crucial for diagnostic testing.
Implications:
- Early recognition of silicone-induced reactive synovitis is vital for appropriate patient management.
- Microscopic identification of silicone particles is key to diagnosis.
- This condition highlights the importance of considering biomaterial-related complications in joint swelling.