Metal sensitivity causing loosened joint prostheses. Issue 5 (October 1980)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christiansen, K; Holmes, K; Zilko, P J
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 39:Issue 5(1980)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 1980-10
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.39.5.476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Metal sensitivity, as measured by an in-vitro assay on peripheral blood lymphocytes, was evaluated in patients with failed joint prostheses. Lymphocyte transformation to chromium, cobalt, and nickel was measured in 24 patients having revision surgery for a painful or loose prosthesis and compared with that in 11 patients who had a successful hip prothesis in situ for at least 2 years previously. A positive response (lymphocyte stimulation index greater than 3) to at least one of the metals was found in 71% of the revision group compared to 9% of controls (P < 0.01). The positive correlation between prosthesis failure and in-vitro metal sensitivity suggests that cell-mediated immunity to metals to metals may play a role in prosthesis failure. Furthermore, this simple in-vitro test may provide the basis of a useful diagnostic test for an often difficult clinical problem.