Foreign body reaction to artelon spacer: case report

Anecdotal reports of painful synovitis after implantation of the Artelon spacer (Small Bone Innovations, Inc., Morrisville, PA) have emerged. The manufacturer claims that this type of reaction is related to the method of fixation and/or to suture material. This report illustrates one case in which a patient exhibited sustained painful synovitis after implantation of the Artelon spacer in the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint, which clinically resolved on removal of the implant. Furthermore, pathology specimens of the soft tissue, synovium, and bone demonstrated an exuberant granulomatous foreign body giant cell reaction to the implant material. Patients should be made aware of the potential of the Artelon spacer to cause a foreign body reaction that may necessitate reoperation for removal of the implant.