Wrist prosthesis allergy: A rare complication to keep in mind

Metal allergy remains a complex and poorly understood situation in surgical implants. The largest cohort (published in 2024) of metal hypersensitivity after upper limb prosthesis is limited to a dozen patients. The other series refer to case reports, and there is no description of metal hypersensitivity in wrist arthroplasty. It is important to consider metal allergies, particularly in painful patients with functional, well-positioned implants. In hand surgery, the use of pyrocarbon implants as a first-line treatment in patients at risk of allergy, or after removal of a poorly tolerated prosthesis, could be an effective solution. In this case report, we report on our experience in the management of metal hypersensitivity in a patient undergoing prosthetic wrist and trapeziometacarpal joint replacement surgery. LEVEL OF INCIDENCE: 4.