New from PubMed:

Researchers at the Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli in Bolgna, Italy conducted a study of the immune response in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The materials used for TKA may elicit patient responses that can negatively impact the outcome of the implant. The study followed 94 patients, including those who had not yet undergone TKA, those who had successful TKA surgeries with stable components, and those with loosened TKA components. All TKA recipients were found to have an increased skin sensitivity to metals. Metal allergies should be tested in patients and taken into consideration before performing TKA, as it greatly improves the chance of a successful implant outcome. Vanadium sensitivity was also increased in TKA patients. There was no significant difference found in sensitization between patients with stable or loose TKA components, but a pre-existing metal allergy posed the greatest obstacle to positive outcomes.

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