Allergic Reactions to Surgical Implants
Allergies to surgical implants are rare but possible reactions to some of the metals or other materials that are used to make medical devices. These allergies can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, inflammation, and reduced movement around the implant site. To diagnose an allergy to a surgical implant, a doctor may perform a patch test to check for skin reactions to different metals. The doctor may also order blood tests or imaging tests to look for signs of inflammation or infection. If an allergy is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants to reduce the immune response and ease the symptoms. In some cases, the doctor may recommend removing the implant and replacing it with a different material that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction .
