Acute Metallosis Following Total Knee Replacement - A Case Report
Karl C Klontz1, William I Smith2, Klontz Jonathan C3
1Epidemiologist with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
|June 15, 2016
Summary
Acute metallosis following knee arthroplasty occurred due to metallic fragments from surgical saw blades. This rare complication highlights potential risks even with intact prosthetic implants.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Pathology
Background:
- Metallosis in knee arthroplasty typically arises from implant wear.
- This case presents an unusual instance of acute metallosis post-knee replacement.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male developed persistent pain and swelling nine months after knee arthroplasty.
- Revision surgery revealed inflamed synovium with metallic debris, primarily iron.
Findings:
- The metallosis was attributed to metallic fragments from three surgical saw blades used during the initial arthroplasty.
- The patient's dense bone, requiring multiple blades, may have contributed to fragment generation.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential, albeit rare, cause of acute metallosis unrelated to implant wear.
- Consideration of surgical tool debris is important in diagnosing unexplained joint pathology after arthroplasty.
