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Published on: January 21, 2018
Inflammatory reaction to implanted equine pericardium xenograft
William T DeCarbo1, Bryan M Feldner, Christopher F Hyer
1Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, Westerville, OH, USA.
Summary
Equine pericardium xenografts can cause allergic reactions in patients with horse allergies, even if previously asymptomatic. Prompt xenograft removal resolved the complication, restoring Achilles tendon function without allergic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Allergology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Equine pericardium xenografts are utilized to enhance Achilles tendon repair procedures.
- Patient history and potential allergies are crucial considerations in xenograft use.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male developed a subcutaneous soft tissue reaction at the Achilles tendon repair site 4 months post-surgery.
- The patient had a history of horse allergy, which was not disclosed initially due to long-term remission of symptoms.
Findings:
- The complication was attributed to an allergic reaction to the equine pericardium xenograft.
- Surgical removal of the xenograft at 11 months postoperative led to uneventful wound healing.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of a thorough allergy history, even for remote or seemingly resolved allergies, before xenograft implantation.
- Early recognition and management of xenograft-related complications are vital for successful patient outcomes.
- Equine pericardium xenografts require careful patient selection to mitigate risks of immunogenic reactions.
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