Nickel allergy to orthopaedic implants: A review and case series

Many of the metals used in orthopaedic surgical implants are immunologically active and can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Most of these metal hypersensitivity (MHS) reactions are type IV/delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. The most common form of all metal hypersensitivity reactions is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by nickel. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence regarding hypersensitivity to orthopaedic implants and provide current recommendations for evaluating these patients. We report on four case examples of patients where it was determined that metal allergy led to complications related to surgery. The most common symptoms for patients with MHS-associated failures are localized soft tissue reaction including delayed wound healing and/or recurrent wound issues. The best way to avoid postoperative issues is to routinely ask patients prior to surgery if they have any known MHS including problems with cosmetic jewelry. If this is known before surgery, titanium or carbon fiber implants should be used for fracture fixation and arthroplasty implantation choice should be modified based on the specific arthroplasty performed. MHS-associated failures are a diagnosis of exclusion and must be contemplated after judicious workup of localized soft tissue reaction including delayed wound healing and/or recurrent wound issues.