Metallosis of a silastic metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty--a case report

Metallosis is a well-documented phenomenon in hip and knee arthroplasty from metal on metal bearing joint replacements. However, few cases of metallosis of metacarpophalangeal joint replacements have been reported. We present the case of a 49-year-old lady with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously undergone MCP joint replacements over 20 years ago. The decision was taken to revise her middle MCP joint after she developed pain and ulnar drift. At revision, the joint exhibited severe metallosis presumably arising from the grommet component of the replacement. This required considerable debridement and removal of the components and revision to a new upsized implant without grommets. It is of note that there were no external signs of metallosis with full flexion of the finger and a good roll up.