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Need TKR and had positive allergy testing / Bone Cement and Metals
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 7, 2023 | Replies (157)Comment receiving replies
I’m scheduled for a partial knee replacement. Because of my knownNi allergy they were going to use the Smith and Nephew zirconium implant but now I have tested positive for Ti also. The tibial section of the implant is Ti. Is there a Ni and Ti free partial knee implant or are there new alternatives to a PKR? Are there experts in allergy or orthopedic surgery with respect to these allergies and implants? I’m in Buffalo NY. Thanks.
Replies to "I’m scheduled for a partial knee replacement. Because of my knownNi allergy they were going to..."
@rossc6672 One suggestion I could make is to contact the Environmental Health Center- Dallas, and I know this is confusing, but they just moved to another town, but the website is
https://www.ehcd.com/. They do treat patients for immune responses to surgical implants, and they may have information on safer choices among manufacturers.
I'm glad to hear they are using Zirconium in surgical implants. I have Zirconium dental implants, and they are fine. They are ceramic (no metal) and I have no issues. I did have issues with titanium surgical plates after breaking my ankle that caused chronic hives and pain and worsening asthma. I had them removed. The old dental work, with old crowns (titanium and other metals) were causing more phlegm in my lungs too, and I didn't know that until I was metal free when it was all removed to prep for implants and I got better, then 3 months later, I broke my ankle and got titanium. I had to give up pierced earrings too because I reacted to everything.
Titanium isn't pure. It has some other metals mixed in as an alloy. Definitely follow up on calling manufacturers.
Hi @rossc6672, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @sueinmn and others. You will notice that we moved your post into an existing discussion here so that you could meet other members who have posted about nickel, titanium and other metal allergies with knee transplants.
@mrsflutterby, @clucky, @ezas123 and others may be able to share their experience with metal allergies with you. While we wait, I did find a reference on the topic that may provide some helpful information for you.
-- PubMed – Alternative materials and solutions in total knee arthroplasty for patients with metal allergy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18210089
Have you discussed possible options with your doctor or care team?
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There are some implants that are coated with inert materials for use in metal-sensitive patients. It will take some (maybe a lot) of research by you and your doctor to find the best one for you. My ortho docs in Minnesota are part of a large group practice, and actually have a person on staff who specializes in finding the best implants to solve these sorts of problems. Maybe your ortho does as well? The other alternative is to have him contact the Smith & Nephew rep for assistance.
Sue