Allergic reactions to metal implants in orthopedic surgery – recommendations for general practitioners

General Medicine, 2024, 26(5), 54-59.

V. Stefanov

Department of Orthopedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery and Physiotherapy, Military Medical Academy – Sofia

Abstract. Medical devices used in the orthopedic and traumatological surgery for the treatment of traumatic and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system are mainly composed of various metal alloys. There is an increasing incidence of allergic reactions to metals in the population, making the recognition and prevention of allergies important for general practitioners. Diagnostic algorithms for suspected allergy and the screening of patients undergoing elective surgery are presented in this article.

Key words: metal implants, allergy, histology, lymphocyte transformation test

Address for correspondence: Vladimir Stefanov, MD, e-mail: stefanovmd@gmail.com