Specifically, it has been reported to be as high as 25% in those with well-functioning implants and 60% in those with a poorly functioning implant or implant failure. Of note, the prevalence of metal allergy in patients who have undergone THA has been found to be much higher than the general population. These reactions may be generalized or localized. Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to metal implants are most often eczematous however, cases of vasculitis and urticaria have been documented. Patient presentation of metal-related dermatitis may vary widely. reported that patients can be sensitized to metal ions released by cobalt-chrome joint surfaces into the local joint tissue, which are presented to all tissues via the bloodstream, and such sensitization can be detected by patch testing (PT).

Metal-related dermatitis was first reported in 1966 with an increasing number of cases being published later. Metal hypersensitivity (allergy), as well as the association between hypersensitivity and implant failure, has long been reported, but it is a process that is still poorly understood and managed. Metal hypersensitivity is thought to be a possible cause of implant failure wherein the body develops an immune response to the metal in the implant.

Aseptic loosening was also the most common cause of revision surgery in THA. Approximately 40% of revision procedures for TKAs were due to aseptic loosening. The most common cause of failure, in general, is aseptic loosening (this is followed by infection as the second most common cause). Some of the most frequent causes of orthopedic implant failure include infection, implant size factors (mechanical issues), and placement issues of the implant. Rates of revision surgery for THAs have remained around 20%. Approximately 465,000-512,000 hip replacements were performed in 20, more than double of those performed since 1992 (with around 63% occurring in females). The revision rates for TKAs have remained constant at about 8% to 10%. TKAs comprised 56% of all joint replacement procedures, with three out of five being in females. Over 600,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) and over 400,000 total hip arthroplasties (THA) are performed annually in the United States alone.

With an increasingly aging population and increased worldwide life expectancy, there is an increase in the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disease and the need for total joint arthroplasties. It has been estimated that over one million joint replacements are performed in the United States each year with joint replacement surgery accounting for the single largest category of Medicare expense.

Stainless steel 6.4 patch download