IS METAL HYPERSENSITIVTY TESTING UNNECESSARY? (Orthopedics This Week)
A new review article has found that the existing literature does not support preoperative metal hypersensivity testing. The article, “Metal Hypersensitivity in Total Joint Arthroplasty,” appears in the December 2018 edition of JBJS Reviews.
Nima Eftekhary, M.D., study co-author and resident at the NYU Langone Department of Orthopaedic Surgery told OTW, “The available literature regarding metal hypersensitivity is sparse. The topic is controversial. In discussing this topic with our colleagues we noted that it was a polarizing one with many different opinions offered. In this context, we decided to look more in-depth at the available literature regarding metal hypersensitivity. Specifically, we reviewed the available literature for workup, differential diagnosis, and treatment options.”
“Perhaps the most important takeaway is that metal hypersensitivity is a topic in which significantly more research is required. Additionally, a painful total joint is most likely painful due to a number of other reasons.”
“We found no good data to support routine preoperative allergy testing or routine ...
