Metal Ion Sensitivity

William M. Mihalko; Catherine R. Olinger; Boyle C. Cheng

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-44424-6_139

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Metal Ion Sensitivity

William M. Mihalko, Catherine R. Olinger and Boyle C. Cheng

Handbook of Spine Technology, pp.459-471

Springer International Publishing

04/01/2021

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44424-6_139

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Abstract

Metal hypersensitivity to biomaterial alloys have been reported since the 1970s. While most reports have been in the total joint literature, in the last 10 years isolated spinal implant reactions have been reported. Much of this is because spine implants have been developed with bearing surfaces that may be a trigger for sensitizing patient from the local wear debris. Reaction to metal alloys and debris is a type IV hypersensitivity immunologic reaction in that it does not produce anaphylaxis. The adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) around the implant can be substantial and lead to further surgery. The metal alloys used in spinal implants typically have an oxide passivation layer that can protect the body from these local reactions, but any type of fretting from modular connections of wear from a metal bearing can lead to exposure of the alloy below the passivation layer and be the trigger to the start of a reaction leading to ALTR. Knowing the frequency of these sensitivities in the general population can help surgeons identify hypersensitive patients and notify them of the possible risk.

Biomaterial

Hypersensitivity

Metal alloy

Passivation layer

Details

Title: Subtitle: Metal Ion Sensitivity
Creators: William M. Mihalko
Catherine R. Olinger
Boyle C. Cheng
Resource Type: Encyclopedia entry
Publication Details: Handbook of Spine Technology, pp.459-471
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44424-6_139
Publisher: Springer International Publishing; Cham
Language: English
Date published: 04/01/2021
Academic Unit: Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Record Identifier: 9984306033902771

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