Allergic to Metal Knee Replacement

[paulascorpio]

I'm curious if anyone has actually been allergic to their metal knee replacement?
If so, what were your symptoms and what did your doctor do? Also, was anything done medically to correct the problem? Thank you for any information!

[Chatbrat]

The dr. should have tested you before the knee replacement, if he didn't do that--its malpractice--they now have a ceramic knee

[bagboy]

Before joint replacement surgery, a doctor will do a metal allergy test with a patch on the arm for a couple of days. If your skin is irritated by the patch, you are "probably" allergic to one or more metals. My surgeon (Dr. Nguyen) stressed that probably wasn't good enough. He suggested that I have a blood test that was analyzed by a lab in Chicago to make certain I was not allergic to metal.
At my expense, I opted for the test and was found to be non allergenic to metals. In 2013, the blood test was $265 and well worth it in my mind. I have read studies and stats that show from 1 in 4 to 1 in 7 people are most likely allergic to metals. This is not an insignificant number. I strongly urge the blood test before joint replacement surgery. As stated above, there are ceramic options available, at least with knee replacements.
I am led to believe that anyone with an allergy that has had a metal joint replacement most likely will suffer from extreme pain and be at high risk for infection. These individuals should certainly be under the care of a qualified physician.

[raynan]

I agree with bagboy. I did the patch test and showed no reaction but I do react to cheap jewelry and opted for the blood test 2 months ago ($285) and it showed I am extremely allergic to nickel. One of my neighbors had another doctor replace her first knee without testing and she's had 1 1/2 years of pain and swelling. Needs to be replaced with ceramic.

[cquick]

I am also planning a knee replacement with Dr. Nguyen and I have had my Patch metals test....negative. I am not sure if I am going to do the blood test.....I have never been allergic to anything except oak and pine tree pollen.

[bagboy]

I am also planning a knee replacement with Dr. Nguyen and I have had my Patch metals test....negative. I am not sure if I am going to do the blood test.....I have never been allergic to anything except oak and pine tree pollen.

I too have very few allergies including oak and pine pollen. When the subject of this blood test arose, I questioned the value of spending what appears to now be $285. At the time of my surgery, insurance companies would not pay for test. You can check but they probably still won't pay.
I did two things. 1) I trusted the opinion of Dr. Nguyen and his staff...and 2) did some research on my own via the internet. There is alot of information available on metal allergies, knee replacement allergic reactions or rejections, etc. I made the decision to have the blood test. I wanted to avoid the nightmare of finding out I was allergic after surgery, or I wanted the peace of mind knowing it would not be an issue. I highly recommend the test.
But only you can decide whether the cost of the test is worth it to you. I wish you and Raynan all the best. You are in good hands with Dr. Nguyen. One more thing...absolutely do the recommended physical therapy before surgery, and absolutely do the physical rehabilitation post surgery. Those two things are not optional.

[paulascorpio]

I actually went to Dr Nguyen regarding my second replacement. He asked about my first and is very concerned regarding my healing process and reaction. After 10 months I am still in pain and I still have heat to the touch and swelling on the knee and it feels as if I still have a damaged joint. I did the blood work on Monday and sent it off to Chicago. Not sure how long the results take?
Dr Nguyen stated he would not proceed on my other leg until my already replaced leg is healed. Not sure what the symptoms are if you are allergic but I am really tired of pain. It is just as bad as prior to the replacement.

[bagboy]

I actually went to Dr Nguyen regarding my second replacement. He asked about my first and is very concerned regarding my healing process and reaction. After 10 months I am still in pain and I still have heat to the touch and swelling on the knee and it feels as if I still have a damaged joint. I did the blood work on Monday and sent it off to Chicago. Not sure how long the results take?
Dr Nguyen stated he would not proceed on my other leg until my already replaced leg is healed. Not sure what the symptoms are if you are allergic but I am really tired of pain. It is just as bad as prior to the replacement.

I feel for you...I am confident Dr. Nguyen can help you through this. I think my test result took about a week, but I am not sure. Hang in there and keep positive!

[paulascorpio]

I called Chicago where the blood test was sent. They will email me the test results 10 days from the receipt of the blood work. They also will send the report to Dr Nguyen.

[paulascorpio]

Received the blood work. I am highly allergic to the nickel in my knee replacement. After a year of healing to know that a blood test (that should have been offered to me) would have saved me the pain and trauma of a revision. NEVER get a replacement without it!! If you have to beg, borrow or steal the $$ do not get a replacement without it. Now, I have to find a doctor that specializes in revisions. Revisions are far more complicated than just a knee replacement. I just want to cry.......

[Barefoot]

Received the blood work. I am highly allergic to the nickel in my knee replacement. After a year of healing to know that a blood test (that should have been offered to me) would have saved me the pain and trauma of a revision. NEVER get a replacement without it!! If you have to beg, borrow or steal the $$ do not get a replacement without it. Now, I have to find a doctor that specializes in revisions. Revisions are far more complicated than just a knee replacement. I just want to cry.......

What a shame that you had to endure the suffering and pain.
I am truly sorry, and I wish you best of luck with your revision.

[bagboy]

I hope everyone contemplating metal joint replacement surgery reads and heeds your warning. NEVER get the surgery without first getting the allergy test. I have tried on this forum to strongly suggest the test to everyone but your circumstances makes clear the absolute necessity of the test.
If the revision surgery is something Dr. Nguyen does not do, can't he lead you to a very qualified surgeon who can? I wish you all the best and a VERY quick resolution and recovery. It will take some work and a little time, but there will be a day soon that you are pain free. Stay positive!!!

[dadspet]

In my case the simple patch test showed nothing. I went ahead with the blood test, with the idea that the cost was minimal compared to possible pain and complications if I was allergic to some metal. My blood test came back positive for about 3 of the 10 or so metals (can't remember the exact numbers)> Dr Nguyen put a ceramic knee in and it went great. Not at all sure if the metal knee by Striker would have caused my any issues but I'm sure glad I eliminated that unknown issue. I understand from others I've talked to that other Drs don't test for allergic reaction to metals. To me it seems like a easy decision - If you have pain after the new knee would you wonder if it was a allergic reaction ?

I guess a valid question would be " are the metals I'm allergic to in the knee replacement being put in" ? Not sure I got a answer to that question. I am very happy with my "ceramic" knee but I'm not exactly convinced there is no metal in a ceramic knee either.

[bagboy]

Very smart getting the blood test. The patch test is unreliable from what I have read and been told by medical staff. It's great to hear a success story.

[cquick]

I decided to do the blood test for metal allergies after all. I picked up my kit on Friday, will have my blood test next week. Surgery is planned for September.

I am still trying to convince myself that I need the replacement, even though my orthopedic docs in both Orlando and The Villages have been recommending it since 2007! Guess I just have to "get tough" and DO it! :smiley: