Can You Be Allergic to Your Hip or Knee?
What is Metal Sensitivity?
Metal sensitivity(or metal hypersensitivity) is an allergic reaction triggered by the body’s immune system. Unlike the clear and immediate reaction one might experience to pollen and dust, allergies to metal present in a more delayed fashion. Basically, your body develops a negative memory regarding a specific antigen (i.e. metal) and overreacts when that metal shows up again. It’s not usually an immediate response like a bee sting, but rather, it can take several days or more before the signs begin to appear.
Metal Content in Total Joint Implants
When a patient has a reported allergy to an orthopedic implant, it is usually a reaction to nickel, cobalt, or chromium. The incidence of sensitivity to nickel (usually seen as a skin reaction to cheap jewelry) is 10-15%, but to date, there is not a consensus between this type of reaction and issues with orthopedic implants containing nickel.