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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Severe Swelling And Rashes On Leg Result From Allergy To Titanium After Knee Replacement?

Have you ever seen a patient who was allergic to titanium? I had a knee replacement 3 years ago and am plagued with severe swelling and an ugly red rash on that leg. I had the Melissa test and it showed I was allergic to titanium. Yet, several doctors have told me this is impossible and that what I have is an infection. I do not have pain, but stiffness when the swelling gets severe. My Dr. has drained it several times and found the fluid full of "rice bodies". I do NOT have Rheumatoid Arthritis. In general, I am not an allergic person, but I am allergic to eye shadow. I consulted a doctor who specializes in "revisions" and he declared it to be an infection and wants to replace it with another titanium prothesis. I just need some answers. The fluid from my knee has been cultured 8 times and never shown any infection. Any advice would be welcome.
posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013
Twitter Wed, 11 Dec 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 12 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.

It can be metallosis or infection
As pre your history infection needs to ruled out by tests
DO NOT IGNORE INFECTION IN POST TKR .
You may need to investigate like CRP ,CBC,ESR,three phase bone scan
PCR culture is very useful to find culprit organism.

If infection is confirmed then debriedment is required .Persistent infection revision operation is required.

If metallosis confirms we will discuss again

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care
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Can Severe Swelling And Rashes On Leg Result From Allergy To Titanium After Knee Replacement?

Hello, I have studied your case. It can be metallosis or infection As pre your history infection needs to ruled out by tests DO NOT IGNORE INFECTION IN POST TKR . You may need to investigate like CRP ,CBC,ESR,three phase bone scan PCR culture is very useful to find culprit organism. If infection is confirmed then debriedment is required .Persistent infection revision operation is required. If metallosis confirms we will discuss again Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care