Delayed Hypersensitivity Reaction: An Increasingly Recognized Complication of Metal-on-Metal Total Disc Replacement

Abstract EN

We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with pain recurrence 20 months after she underwent a C5C6 metal-on-metal total replacement.

Plan radiographs demonstrated a modification of the shape of the vertebral bodies making the prosthesis more protruding.

Then, infection has been ruled out and patch testing revealed a strongly positive reaction for chromium and cobalt.

The prosthesis has been removed and a fusion achieved using a cage filled with bone graft.

She has been immediately and fully relieved from her pain.

We report the radiological signs that enabled early diagnosis and treatment allowing favorable outcome.