Ciurea N.M. 1, Dimitriu A.L. 1, 2 *, Nagea M. 1, Lupescu Olivera 1, 2
1 Orthopedics and Trauma Clinic, Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest, Romania
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest
Abstract
Orthopaedic implants are used at a large scale both for trauma and elective surgery. The components of the implant undergo corrosion and produce metal debris, which can trigger an immune response, depending on the amount and duration of the exposure, which can interfere with the normal healing mechanism, generating local complications. We present the case of a patient who suffered a distal femoral fracture, initially operated with a Dynamic Condylar Screw. Five months after the operation, the fracture did not heal, with an obvious persistent fracture line and malalignment of the fragments, so revision surgery was indicated. Intra-operative evaluation revealed local reactive lesions; and the histological exam showed chronic inflammation with many histiocytes, loaded with metal pigment, multinucleate giant cells and bone lamella evolving into sequestra, therefore confirming that the local reaction to implant contributed to the healing disturbance.