Delayed hypersensitivity reaction caused by metal-on-metal total disc replacement

The authors report the case of a 53-year-old woman who underwent placement of a metal-on-metal total disc replacement (TDR) device for the treatment of discogenic back pain. The initial postoperative course was normal, but 2 months after surgery she started to complain of a recurrence of pain and she progressively developed cauda equina syndrome. Radiological and biological findings showed an inflammatory polyneuropathy associated with an epidural mass. A diagnosis of cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction (Type IV) was made after patch testing showed positive reactions for 1% cobalt chloride and chromium. A decision was made to remove the TDR device and to perform a circumferential fusion. This report is intended to inform the reader that systemic metal release and hypersensitivity reaction are possible complications of metal-on-metal TDR.