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J Hand Microsurg 2023; 15(04): 318-321
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748762
Case Report

Metallosis Following Titanium Implant Use in the Hand: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

Camelia Qian Ying Tang 
1   Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
,
Khoon Leong Chuah
2   Department of Pathology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
,
Lam Chuan Teoh
1   Department of Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) consists of a spectrum of changes ranging from pure metallosis to aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis-associated lesion and granulomatous inflammation. Currently described ARMD cases are mainly limited to arthroplasty, typically total hip and knee arthroplasties in the lower limb and total wrist arthroplasty in the upper limb. Hypersensitivity to a metallic implant in fracture fixation is rare, and a severe form of metallosis has not been reported so far. In this paper, we present a case of ARMD occurring 10 years after the use of titanium implants for fracture fixation in the hand. Intra-operative findings, histopathological results, and a literature review on ARMD are also described.

Keywords

Metallosis - adverse reaction to metal debris - titanium implants - fracture fixation - Metacarpal base fractures


Publication History

Article published online:
28 June 2022

© 2022. Society of Indian Hand Surgery & Microsurgeons. All rights reserved.

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