Knee Replacement Allergies – Nothing to Sneeze At?
Knee Replacement Allergies – Nothing to Sneeze At?
Each year, hundreds of thousands of knee replacements are performed. In knee replacement, the worn ends of the bones that make up the knee joint are replaced with metal and plastic implants. In most cases, results are excellent, however in rare cases, an immune response may arise and can become problematic. That is, the patient may suffer from an allergy or hypersensitivity to the metallic components of the implant. Symptoms may include warmth or swelling at the knee, a skin rash and even loosening of the implant.1
This phenomenon is so rare, that its very existence has been debated. But at this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a paper was presented documenting what appear to be allergic reactions to knee replacements.2 Dr. Alvin Ong et. al. recorded 19 cases from 2005-2008 where total knee replacement failures were attributed to metal sensitivity. The authors ruled out all other possible causes of implant failure and then performed a special test, the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) which looks at a patients sensitivity to certain metals. Seventeen of the nineteen patients with failed knee replacements were tested. Ten patients recorded high sensitivity while the remaining seven indicated mild sensitivity.
Following the sensitivity testing, 16 of the patients had a second procedure where the traditional metal 
knee replacement was removed and replaced with a non-metallic implant (the ceramic Oxinium implant from manufacturer Smith and Nephew). Following this knee replacement, the authors reported good results and elimination of the inflammation that was present with the traditional metal implant.
So although an allergic reaction to metal knee replacement implants may be rare, it is not unheard of. Unfortunately, diagnostic tests like LTT are relatively expensive and persons testing positive are not always symptomatic.1 In their article, Dr. Ong et. al. suggest that surgeons be mindful of the possibility of metal hypersensitivity especially when failures of implants are noted and cannot be attributed to other factors.
1 Rabin SI, Graf CN, Hopkinson, WJ, Hallab NJ “Immune Response to Implants.” emedicine.medscape.com. 08 Mar. 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1230696-overview>
2 Jafari SM, Della Valle CJ, Orozco F, Ong AC. “Metal Hypersensitivity Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Real Phenomenon?” 2009 AAOS Annual Meeting, Poster No. P134
|
|
Comments
55 Responses to “Knee Replacement Allergies – Nothing to Sneeze At?”
Got something to say?
-
Introductory Topics
Introduction - Home Normal Knee Anatomy The Diseased Knee: Osteoarthritis The Knee Replacement Procedure
Surgery Overview > Total Knee Replacement Surgery Video Knee Replacement Complications Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Computer Assisted Knee Replacement Knee Replacement Implants
The Parts of a Total Knee Replacement Mobile Bearing Knee Replacement Knee Implant Wear Knee Implant Manufacturers Related Topics
Knee Arthroscopy Total Hip Replacement Osteoporosis -
Stay up to date on the latest Total Knee Replacement news!
-
- Manipulation Following Total Knee Replacement Surgery 177 comment(s)
- Joint Stiffness: Complications Following Knee Replacement Surgery 157 comment(s)
- Patellar Clunk Syndrome: Complication Following Knee Replacement Surgery 71 comment(s)
- Knee Replacement Allergies - Nothing to Sneeze At? 55 comment(s)
- Knee Replacement “Clicking” 14 comment(s)
- Video Showing a Traditional Total Knee Replacement Surgery 7 comment(s)
- New Total Knee Replacements Specially Designed for Female Anatomy 4 comment(s)
- What’s the “Best” Total Knee Replacement? 2 comment(s)
- Is Knee Replacement in Your Future? 2 comment(s)
- With Knee Replacement Rehabilitation, the Sooner the Better New Study Shows. 2 comment(s)
Has anyone heard of a hypersensitivity or allergy to the ceramic Oxinium implant from manufacturer Smith and Nephew? I had TK in June of 2008 and following complications a revision with another (ceramic Oxinium implant from manufacturer Smith and Nephew) in March of 2009. [At the time of the revision the scar tissue/inflammation surrounding the joint was the depth equivalent to the length of my surgeons thumb...pic's if you're interested...] I am experiencing increasing fluid build up in the knee which is being aspirated to relieve the intense pressure every 4 weeks (roughly 50cc’s each time) and am now going through testing for every type of possible infection or allergy there is. I do have the ability to straighten my knee and despite the extra fluid can get about 115 degrees of flexion. I just can’t seeem to find any info about this anywhere. At 48 I am fairly young for a TK which was due to a series of injuries.
Morning,
I was looking for something related to a rash in conjunction with a TKR. In 2002 I had the procedure.
I had nine surgeries on my knee with the tenth being the replacement.
I had everything from the carticel implant to the tibal tuberosity sic. to four or five simple scopes.
Knee still doesn’t work but I’ll live with it. I have about 65 degrees when bending where I have 110 in the right leg.
Anyway, shortly after the replacement I noticed a rash below the knee that I cannot get rid of. Several doctors have prescribed meds for what they think it might be but nothing works. When I asked my surgeon about it he commented he had seen that in several other cases but had no idea what it was.
Just wondering if anyone else has had this.
Hi all,
I had a TK last June, I have been experiencing a rash on the outside of the knee as well as swelling and heat since then. About a week ago I started getting a rash all over my body. My surgeon is very confused as to what is happening, so has recommended I get a second opinion. I came across this website yesterday, and feel pretty sure this is what is happening to my knee.
My dentist removed all metal fillings because he believed the amalgum fillings could be a cause of unusuall health problems. As person with chemical allergies, is total knee replacement worth the risk?
I had a tkr about 10 tears ago,Smith and Nephew, genesis 2. Swelling has been continuous. Had a blood test recently by Orthopedic Analysis and found I am alergic to Nickel. Considering another replacement, although not very excited, unsure of related health issues resulting fom the allergy. Any other resuls out there?
I had a tkr done 14 weeks ago and just started to get hives and itching around the outside of the knee. My dr. has me on a medrol dose pack (prednisone). Would an allergy to the new knee wait 12 weeks to surface. Has this happened to anyone else at this time? I’m also starting to get little hives on my fingers and arms on the same side of my body.
I had bilateral tkr June 2010, three months later I developed a bumpy red rash surrounding my incisions. It later flattened out and spread. I currently have a round flat rash on the outside of each knee. It has also spread to my arms,back, trunk…small itchy bumps. I am taking prednisone and using
Betamethasone Ointment on the larger patches. Benadryl helps with the itching. I am concerned about the impact on the joints and the integrity of the devices.
i had my first total knee done August13th and a week later i started to break out on my arms legs stomach back and fingers i have been itching ever since i had my other knee done on september 27th and still the same thing i have been put on creams and methylprednisolone and still nothing works im at my wits end with this and i cant find anything to stop the ithcing anyone have any ideas to help me
hi to anyone reading this i had two tkr one on august 13th and the 2nd on september 27th 2010 i told my doctor about my rash, itching, and digging my body raw he said he didn’t know what it could be i went to my family doctor and he sent me for blood tests they came back normal but then he sent me to a allergy center and they tested me to see if i was allergic to the metals and sure enough i am allergic to 3 of the metals in my knee so now they have to come out so if your haveing this problem you might want to talk to your family doctor and tell them you want to be tested i wish you all the luck in the world
I broke out in a rash all over my back two years ago. Since that time I get one or two on my hands. My leg with the implant is different. My lower leg and the one of many scars on my leg that they operated on are so itchy. The knee replacement I had was in 1987 so it is not just an itchy scar
I have taken every steriod med they gave me and the creams nothing has helped. Until the rash just has been on my leg with the knee replacement I started to wonder. I do get the odd spot that shows up on my hands now. I am going to ask my Doctor and will get back here and let you all know what he has to say
I had tka more than 3 years ago and started experiencing swelling, heat and pain (worse than before the procedure) about 1 year after surgery. Finally, finally, I got my surgeon’s attention about this situation — he had been suggesting that I needed to strengthen my quads (I teach yoga, my quads are fine). I have an allergy to the nickel in the implant. I am scheduled to have my replacement revised shortly. The knee company has custom built me a knee that has no nickel in it. BTW, I never had rashes or skin irratations. So metal allergies to implants is not a myth or even perhaps as rare as we have previously thought. Lots of baby-boomers getting things replaced and we may see these problems more.
I had my surgery Oct 23 2010 & my second one on Nov 3, Tkr in the right knee. Every since I had my surgery Ive been having severe pain, swelling, & walking with a limp. I have been back to my dr & he tell’s me no wrongs about my knee when I am constantly having pain & swelling in my right knee also chills & hotness in the knee, my dr tells me he don’t know why my knee is hurting & swelling, but he suggested me to get a MRI on my back, cause he thinks my back is hurting when my knee is hurting. I never had back problems before or after my surgery, so I think he is not telling me what I need to know. If there’s anyone out there that have suffer what Ive suffered & can relate to this, please Email me & tell me what I need to know. P.S. I have lost over 35 pains after my knee surgery.
I need both my knees replaced,but I also have an allergy to metal. I can’t even wear a watch. Only gold. I worry that when they replace my knee it will get infected because of the allergy. But I am in so much pain every day because of my knees,I am at a total loss of what to do.
Hi ya’ll…I had partial knee in Mar 07…was always HOT and the swelling never really went down. Doc said I was doing fine, released ne from his treatment in Aug 07…just scheduled for check up six months out. By Oct 07 was in a lot of pain…when straightening my leg in bed, would wake me up. VERY PANIFUL. Doc did bone scan…knee was loose, (glue came undone) microfractures of tibia and bone had worn away from rubbing. They thought it was infected too. Had to have TKR Nov07 with Oxinium, Smith/Nephew. (I should have mentioned that I have reactions to metals) After TKR, anything that could have gone wrong, has. Had surgery Feb 10…totally opened it up again…cleaned out scar tissue (really bad) was in hosp. for 5 days, in CPM machine for 6 weeks. After the TKR, I get hive type rash on my knee. (only on knee) It is HOT and always puffy. Now, for the past 6 to 9 months I have been trying to figure out why I am anemic. Have had blood tests…I am not iron deficient. I have been checked for ulcers and celiac disease. All negative. I am fatigued…depressed…achey all over. I asked my doc a long time ago if I could be allergic to this knee. He said that it was nearly impossible…that I would be the first, since I have the oxinium knee. I really don’t know what to do. I would like to feel good again. I am only 52.
Had total knee replacement Jan. 11th 2010, never worked, 7 mos.
later still not walking, went for second opinion, doctor told me
that the first Doctor had a bad day in the OR needed revision
surgery, hyperextended and knee cap in wrong place with the
ligaments needing to be the same on each side and new spacer
bigger size done. Now, 7 months after revision, I can walk normally
for about 10 steps and knee seems to tighten up so bad, I can
hardly bend it. Have had deep tissue massages to break-up all
scar tissue and nothing is working, anyone out there had similar
problems?
I had a TKR done last August 2010. It was the worst pain I have ever gone through. I was in the hospital for 5 days and received 2 pints of blood. I did my physical thearpy but was making no progress with my range of motion. Finally in November 2010 my surgeon did a manipulation. It seemed to help the bending of the knee but it was still very painful. I went back to the surgeon today and told him about the constant pain and swelling. He gave me a shot of cortizone that didn’t help at all. When I asked him about an allergy to nickel he said I should have brought that to his attention before the surgery. I was appalled! Isn’t that something the doctor should ask before surgery? How was I to know an allergy to jewelry had anything to do with a knee implant? I was more focused on being able to walk without pain and I still can’t do that today. My only recourse is to have the knee redone with a replacement that does not have nickel–some kind of ceramic stuff. I am not looking forward to going through this again. If you have a TKR coming up please have the tests for nickel/metal allergies before you end up like me!
I had a TKR done last August 2010. It was the worst pain I have ever gone through. I was in the hospital for 5 days and received 2 pints of blood. I did my physical thearpy but was making no progress with my range of motion. Finally in November 2010 my surgeon did a manipulation. It seemed to help the bending of the knee but it was still very painful. I went back to the surgeon today and told him about the constant pain and swelling. He gave me a shot of cortizone that didn’t help at all. When I asked him about an allergy to nickel he said I should have brought that to his attention before the surgery. I was appalled! Isn’t that something the doctor should ask before surgery? How was I to know an allergy to jewelry had anything to do with a knee implant? I was more focused on being able to walk without pain and I still can’t do that today. My only recourse is to have the knee redone with a replacement that does not have nickel–some kind of ceramic stuff. I am not looking forward to going through this again. If you have a TKR coming up please have the tests for nickel/metal allergies before you end up like me!
My wife had TKR done on 12-08-09. She has’nt been right since. Her knee hurts always to the point of crying. Thought she may have cancer…did Pet Scan, negative. Bone Scan, negative. She has headaches to the point of crying, loss of energy, constipation from taking pain pills all time. I am tired of Docs who seem not to care. Sending us everywhere, milking our Insurance and taking our money. Help us!!!!!!
I had a total knee replacement on Dec 20, 2010. Since the morning after my surgery I have had a terrible smell in my nostrils. I also feel that I have a strong body order, however no one around me can smell anything. This happens when I am exerting myself, when I get upset or nervous and also when I am having physical therapy. The only other way I can describe it is, it’s the same thing that some people experience when they eat garlic. The order actually comes out their pores.
had a knee replacement 18 months ago. pain never subsided. It wasn’t in my knee, it was in the femur and tibial areas. Bone scan showed activity where metal meets bone. Rash on the outside of my knee. I can’t wear jewelry. My skin breaks out. Surgeon won’t agree that its metal alergy. Frustration!!
Had a pkr this, loosened needed total TKR h didn’t work infection I am told , but unidentified by microbiologists. Revision needed so joint removed and knee splinted for 6 weeks given broad based anti-biotics for 6 weeks followed by yet another new knee, just in-case your bored this is my third knee guess what after 5 months it’s hot swollen and painful. X rays and bloods show no infection yet again I’m limping and very uncomfortable at night and it’s no better. could this be a reaction to the metal? Interesting reading your stories and possible causes. What to do now?
I need knee replacement really, really bad and after reading all the stories I think I would rather suffer with what I am suffering now than find I have more problems. I have nickel/metal allergies and if I touch a key or something my skin will itch so bad and my skin will blister like I’ve been burned…I have tried every medicine for itch…nothing works. Finally I found a lotion made by C.O. Bigelow called Lotio Mentholus No. 002. Is a soothing topical analgesic lotion. It is cooling on my skin and if the itch is severe, after I apply the lotion I put the affected area in front of a cooling fan. IT WORKS!!!
I think the active ingredient is camphor…It is so worth the $25.00. Find it online…
Has anyone had the Oxinium, Smith/Nephew implant with nickel/metal allergies and still had problems with rash, itching or other problems? I was thinking the Oxinium, Smith/Nephew implant might be my only hope.
Read all the responses posted very interesting. I also had problems when I had TKR in 2008 (Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex) because of a injury. The doc also found OA. After TKR swelling and itching began around incisions and incision would swell and begin to open during therapy. I then developed open lesions around incisions and on arms. Biopsies showed nothing on lesions. Last allergy test showed I have a allergy to hydroxyethyl methacrylate (bone cement glue ingredient). Now I have to have the prosthetic knee removed, all the glue removed and a cement
free knee replaced.
My Dad had knee surgery and has suffered with a skin rash ever since. No one seems to be able to get to the bottom of it. He is so weak now from suffering so long with this rash that is over most of his body. Who can help????
Has he been tested for any of the allergies people here seem to have had? if not insist he does. Poor man i’m sure we all feel for you both. I get the impression from my last follow up appointment with my surgeon that so long as the implant has taken and not loose we just have to make do with the outcome of our surgery, I’m pretty fed up with it all and wish to god I had never been persuaded to have surgery in the first instance over three years ago and three operations later, and a leg with a limited bend that inhibits my everyday life. For any one else reading this take heed.
I have the Smith/Nephew Joint and am allergic to it. How many others with the allergic reaction have that brand?
reply
I had 1st knee replaced left one in nov 07. Nov 9th, swollen lip. no allergic reaction to anything ever. had a fall and caused me to have right knee replaced 2008 and having infections, holes, couldnt use the CPM machine being the holes were gaping and tunneling up the incision. i have been suffering for many years and now with the rkr and the infections etc, it had caused me to swell from the elbows down! half hand, blue knuckle or fingers, huge bumps in palm and scalp, wrists feel like they are broken etc. All the pain pills never work. But I keep taking them thinking that some day they will kick in. Debating removal of both knee replacements with something that is non metal related. I do have zimmer nex gen knees. Could it be glue, cement? Not seeing ortho surgeon any longer being he blows me off. going on wednesday to see a new ortho surgeon for injections. we will see what he has to offer. i say everyday, cut my legs off. the pain is excrutiating and its sad to say that I dont remember a day without pain. Maybe someone out there can help me and share their similar stories!
I had a total knee replacement in November, in November, 2008.
I’ve had two follow up surgeries because no matter how much P.T. I do, it won’t bend beyond 90 degrees. I continue to have pain, and an ugly, raised, red rash comes and goes at will.
The surgeon has had me see 3 separate dermatologists and I’ve been tested for everything frm the cement to whether I’m allergic to the latex gloves used in surgery. There doesn’t seem to be an answer, nor is there any particular interest by the surgeon,
I had a TKR August 2110. When I came out of surgery, I had horrible blisters from my knee down to my ankle which turned into deep wounds that that the doctors had no answer as to why this happened.They sent a variety of doctors in to see me and took a multitude of pictures. It’s been a year and the skin from my knee down is so sensitive it keeps me awake at night. Also my foot feels so stiff it’s uncomfortable bending it. I hope time will help this part. They thought it could have been caused by the straight iodine they painted my leg with to prevent infection, but they had never had it happen before. Has anyone else had this experience. I’m still glad I had the TKR, because I am walking again.
I had a left TKR done July 20, 2011 and since have had problem after problem.. I am 29 yrs old and had many previous surgeries resulting in osteo degenerative arthritis and required TKR.. Since the surgery I can not do a straight leg lift AT ALL HEEL is stuck to floor. I have to manually lift my leg to get in and out of car or anywhere else that requires this motion. The swelling is pretty bad it has improved a little but barely…. I am itchy itchy crazy itchy.. I usually just rub the sides of the knee with my palms, but i guess went crazy on it in my sleep the other night and scratched it raw…. The top 3-4 inches of the scar is bumpy and very itchy….I am not sure about the whole allergy thing, I know that i can not EVEN for a second wear fake jewellry. if i dare put a fake earing in my ear it instantly itches, gets red and hot….I hope this is not the case, but this TKR has been a nightmare from day one…. I am sure i have a little bit of nerve damage and this is y i no longer do a straight leg raise.. I do physio 3 times a week, I also work full time, have an 9 yr ld, 6 yr old and a 2 yr old, so i am very active always up and down. I dont know what to do.. I am too young for these issues, should i speak to a new surgeon or just give it more time…
After reading problems I am more afraid than ever to have my knee replaced, which I really really need. But I have heard there is a new implant better than the smith and nephew. It is called the AESCULAP AS (alternative surface). It’s made for people with metal allergies. C.O. Bigelow’s – Lotio Mentholus No. 002 is the best I have found to help the itch. I itch, so bad, my skin blisters and will peel off like a burn.
Has anyone heard of the AESCULAP AS knee?
I had TKR 2008 left knee swelled and staples came out same night of surgery blood all over sheets in hospital bed. Turns out I am allergic to Acrylic Methacrylate and antibiotic in the bone cement. Have to have another knee revision and have cement removed and another knee that requires no cement. Problem is all tkr require some kind of cement.
Like segue17 above, I too had a Smith and Nephew Oxonium knee installed (Mine in 2007). I also have a nickel allergy. I’ve since suffered from the same symptoms. No rash but pain, tenderness and constant swelling, soreness and stiffness and increased pain and swelling after being up on it for several hours or even after a short time of working on a ladder or walking on uneven ground.
I suspect the following:
Inflammation due to an allergic reaction to the bone cement, polyethylene components, residual nickel leftover from the stainless plate and screws used to repair my broken tibial plateau (removed two months after my January 2004 fracture) or possibly the zirconium, niobium and/or zirconium dioxide surface of the femoral component.
I’m going to an allergist this coming Tuesday (today is 09/18/2011) and I’m trying to put together a complete list of component material to be tested for. I’ve tried to get this before from S&N with no luck.
Good luck segue17, please let us know how you are doing as will I.
I had a TKR (Stryker) in June 2007. I have a severe nickel allergy but was not informed that the implant had nickel in it. My knee was always warm, swollen and had limited mobility. Had a scope in 2010 to remove scar tissue to help with mobility and developed a staph infection that two surgeries and four months of IV antibiotics couldn’t clear . The nickel caused the treatment to fail. I nearly died and the implant was removed to find the infection pooled underneath. After the surgery, I began to feel better than I had for the past 3 years. Had revision surgery January 7, 2011 with a TKR that was nickel free made of titanium. The surgery and recovery went well. My new TKR is great. Anyone doctor that does not believe metal allergies or any environmental allergies can affect a patient’s health is in denial. I have never been so sick for so long, 8 months off work. If your surgeon won’t listen, find another one who will. My new surgeon saved my life.
Had my left knee TKR done 11 months ago. Since then have had my knee drained a few times but it fills back up that night. The doc feels I may have an allergic reaction to nickel (why he didn’t test me ahead of time…who knows). Had metal allergy patch testing done but it all came back negative. Now waiting for the blood test (LTT) to see how that goes. If that’s negative he says he’ll have to go back in and see what’s going on. With all the pain and swelling anything will hopefully be positive for a better result. More later…
I have had three total knee replacements two chromium nickle and the current one is Titainium with ceramic coating. Ever since the very first one I have had pain and swelling, they aspirate it and pull bloody fluid off. They have sent these off numerous times for testing and all come back negative. Iam in constant pain everyday and this thing always has fluid on it. I have had the Senovial lining and Bursa sac removed and I still get the bloody fluid build up.
Came across this site when surfing for info on metal allergies related to dental crowns. I started reading because I have bad knees and fear that a replacement recommendation might be in my future. I will heed all of the advice and warnings about getting tested for metal allergies. I’m so sorry all of you are going through all the pain and suffering. Some of it is due to ineptitude on the part of doctors and I’m sorry to say that some of it is due to greed of both the manufacturer and medical community. Again, so sorry for all of your suffering.
I’m about to start on the process that so many of you have been through. I had TKR December 2010 and I have never been in so much pain I do have all the scabby rashes, swelling, heated knee etc etc I have been feeling very unwell in myself for the last 11 months. I am hoping that something will come out of the tests that I am due to have this week. Has someone out there had the problem fixed?
I wish I would have done better research before my TKR. It has been 7 months of hell. LTT tests show I am mainly allergic to iron. My new surgeon scoped my knee three days ago and took out tissue for analysis to be sure of whats going on before he takes the replacement out. I assumed that he would put a ceramic one in, but now I am reading that there is metal in that, too, and there are people having allergic reactions, also. Does anyone have the AESCULAP AS Columbus knee system? It looks like it could be the answer. My surgeon says that he can have a knee custom made for me. What really angers me is that I told surgeon #1 that I am highly allergic to metal. He said it wouldn’t be a problem and I believed him. Now here I am, being poisoned by the chunk of metal he put in me, facing more surgery. I wonder if I will ever be normal again. I wish I could get my old knee back!
I had itching for nearly a year on the back of both knees, calves, thighs and below my waist at the back after tkr of my right knee. Calmurid, Hydrozole cream and Advantin cream and calamine lotion did not fix it, but recently Betnovate 1/5 cream fixed it in 4 days.
I have the Smith and Nephew Genesis 2 prosthesis using the Visionaire Protocol. The flexion is +5 to +110 degrees at 11 months, after an extra bend under anaesthetic 2 weeks after the original operation.
Had my LTT test results come back and just as I thought I’m allergic to nickel. Had the chromium/cobalt implant that has some nickel. Waiting now for workers comp to approve getting it fixed. The doc is researching whether titanium or the ceramic would work better. Probably have another new knee for Christmas again this year. Getting tired of new knees for Christmas.
hi all im hoping to find u all doing well i wanted tpo update you all since my last tkr i had to undergo two moew i had a bad reaction to nickle chromium and colbolt so i had two revisions in april of 2011 and all though my itching is gone thanks to pure titanium knees i still dont have the mobility i should have and i struggle everyday with the pain that dont seem to want to go away its been 8 months and i thought by now i would be squatting or just more than i was doing but no they hurt very bad but im greatful the itch is gone and im trying to get back to being normal agian but it is a everyday struggle i wish u all the very best of luck but before anyone gets this done please insist on being allergy tested its the only way of knowing and its better to be safe than sorry happy holidays to all and best of luck to you all
I had Smith & Nephew Genesis2 TKR using Visionaire protocol to reduce operation time and cut bone more accurately, a year ago. 7 1/2 weeks in hospital, lots of Endone, then Oxycontin for pain, then walking stick and exercises for a total of one year. Had skin itching for a whole year, Hydrozole, Calmurid and calamine lotion did not help. Then a smart GP fixed the itch in 4-5 days with Betnovate 1/5 Cream. I can now walk up and down single steps, but the Oxycontin seems to have slowed my brain switching speed, for thing like playing the piano and seeing things quickly. Bend is now +5 to +110 degrees and no internal infections. Take 4 Amoxycillin 500mg. tablets every time I get a scratch and draw blood, then another 4×500mg. Amoxycillin 12 hours later, to stop the possibility of an infection getting into the TKR. Warren
Reply to Jackie Meredith. My father just had his knee done. Horible bruiising and blistering below the knee. Knee looks great. I insist it looks like an allergic reaction. Doctor doesn’t know what caused it. Pictures sent by a family friend to an infectious disease doctor, who also say’s looks like an allergic reaction as well. Father still in hospital, we will wait to see what the doctor says after we tell him about above opinion. Frustrating, knee itself looks good, no bruising or blistering.
I had my TKR about 6 weeks ago and have a great deal of pain on the inside of my knee, under the knee in the soft area below the back of the thigh and at the top of the calf muscle as well as the lower half of the cafe, my ankle feels like it has been sprained, and my knee all the way down to my foot has become swollen just as it was after surgery. I have been on antibiotics a week before the surgery, and the present. There is a brown discoloration about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long along the inside of my knew 3 inches above and three inches below then across the front just below the knee cap. The same area is very painful and at times even more painful if touched or I lave it on anything like a pillow or ice pack. My family doctor and my surgeon and both continue to tell me my pain should be less and less every day, and can not tell me why the discoloration, or why there is pain in areas described above. They also can not explain the swelling from the knee down (including the knee) so they continue to prescribe antibiotics, and tell me to keep taking pain pills. Has anyone experienced any of the above symptoms if so please let me know and what was done to resolve you problems.
Thanks Leo
I had a De Puy Knee implant on January 19 2011.I immediately post surgery started to itch.I thought the itching was related to the pain medication.After being released from the hospital the itching continued.I then went to a dermatoligist believing I was still reacting to the pain medication.The dermatoligist gave me topical steroids.The steroids did not cure the rashes I had on my shins knee thigh arm and back.Iwent back and was diagnosed with contact dermatitis,given a steroid shot and topical steroids.The shot did provide temporary relief but the rashes soon returned in full force.I went to my family M.D.He sent me back to the dermatoligist.I was given a another steroid shot topical steroids and at a return visit tested for allergies to all the creams I was using and for nickel.No luck.I then went to an allergist and tested for everything.No results.I believe it is the knee replacement.I am now requesting the Lymphocyte transformation test. The M.D. is not familiar with the test.What labs are competent to do the test?Does anyone know? What knee manufacturer makes a non allergenic knee?What Orthopedist is the best at taking a knee out and putting a new one in?I would like a break from the rash and itching!Thanks
I am facing my 5th TKR in as many years next month. After ONE year they fail…. I am being tested for metal allergies in 2 wks. I had to find out this info myself as my OS had no cllue..which being a revision specialist shocks me (at a major teaching hospital in Boston MA). After my last surgery (a lateral release last March) I had a bad allergec reaction to the staples. This was a first and it was my 6th knee surgery. Chances are my right knee has also failed. I was told that this OS only uses one kind of knee so maybe I will have to find a dr. who can put a non metal knee in if in fact I do test positive. As a kid I could not wear nickel jewelry so I am really thinking this is the cause. Sucks that after 4 failed TKR’s this had not been brought up by any OS.
TKR this past June 2011. Thanks for all the info, had a titanium knee, never had any pain, works great. However, my whole body except my hands and face have this horrible itchy,itchy and still itching rash. Did the steroids, creams,lotions, antibiotics to no avail. Was asked if I had any allergies, said “no”. If I did, I didn’t know it, don’t wear jewelry. I assumed they meant medicines. I have no intention of going thru it again at my age. Will have to try the two creams mentioned on these post. If I find relief from the itching side affects, will repost. I live with five dogs and if I’m ever lost, look for the one who does all the itching. Maybe the Vets Advantage or Program would work..hmmmmm!
Just some info for anyone experiencing pain and swelling that won’t go away. Had a TKR 12/10 and after about 8 months my doctor started to think I may be having an allergic reaction. Sent me to a dermatologist who ran patch testing that all came back negative. I did some research and found there is a lab in Chicago that does blood testing for metal allergies. Had a blood sample sent back to them and after about a week I got the results. My blood was reacting to nickel. I had the chromium/cobalt implant that had traces of nickel in the alloy. Well 4 weeks ago I had revision surgery and they replaced it with an implant made from Tivanium, a titanium alloy with no nickel. The difference is like night and day and am making such progress. Went to P.T. today and already am up to 123 degrees range of motion. This may not be the cure for everyone but something to consider. The test is called a lymphocyte transformation blood test.
Yes, they asked me, do you have reaction to metal. “Yes” I said back. I was not given any testing done prior or after surgery. The VA suggested I go to a local Ortho Surgery center in Rapid City, SD. I did. I got put aside by one Surgeon there. I will not say his name. He wrote and said that I said, he lied, he wrote saying I did not want an operation. I got hot under the collar, went to the H and R office and I complained. I told them that I was referred to go to their Surge center by the VA. I was walked to the door after that visit with their center’s Human Resources officer. I went home. I called back after looking up on the WWW just who were the surgeons there. I got back by phone. I got squeezed in to see another Surgeon. He told me they would take good care of me. Now, I have a rash on my right side of my right knee under and to the side of the knee cap. This rash came to me after 7 months from my operation. The day before my operation on my right knee I was given Barium and a CT scan that was done to me by the VA. After my surgery I found out that Barium is a trace metal substance that I cannot have prior or after surgery. Barium is a trace metal of a curtain sort used to illuminate. The CT scan shows that I have cists on my Kidneys, benign, not solid. I am putting a save on my rash. I also tried to heal this with Vicks-VaproRub. Also put peroxide on the rash to kill infection. Also I am taking Benadryl liquid-gels; 25 MG each, not to take more than 6 per 24 hrs
I am sorry to hear of all the goings wrong of TKR. I too at 51 years old, 5 months ago went through a double! I can bend to 128 and have excellent straightening,can do a lot….but never without pain, swelling,burning, clicking, shooting electrical pains, aching of the knee, shin, thigh and also a bizarre veiny rash that gets worse by days end like a petechiae…it seems the legs have too much pressure. Therapy stopped me two weeks ago as they said one knee was not tracking right. I can barely get up stairs, walk more Than one block. I’ve tried two weeks to get a hold of my surgeon to no avail. One of the tops in the Chicago area that does the Visionaires, custom made. I am worse off than before my accident and years of tennis. I am scared. I have learned much from all of you and am grateful. I will start with the allergy testing. Thanks so much for sharing. I wish you all grace and healing!
PLEASE DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO GET THE LTT TEST.
I’ve heard somewhere in Chicago, but can’t get past that….
HELP!