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Are Aesculap Implants Safe While Having Nickel Allergy After A Total Knee Replacement?

Posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2017

Question: I think that I submitted my question incorrectly. I am a 68 year old female from the Los Angeles area. I had a total knee replacement four years ago and it has been faulty since the very beginning. I was told that I have patellar clunk syndrome. I am allergic to nickel and tested mildly positive to vanadium and molybian sp? since my TKR. I can hardly walk now, can't drive my car because of pain under my kneecap and my ROM is 50 at best. I can't stand in one place for even five minutes and spend most of my time either in my wheelchair, in bed or on the couch. This is no way to live. I have recently found out that my surgeon is rated very low for knee replacements so I am looking for another doctor and was wondering if there is an inplant available that doesn't have one of the three metals that I am allergic to? I currently have a XXXXXXX and Nephew Oxinium knee.

I forgot to include that I have heard about an Aesculap knee. Have the Aesculap implants proven to be successful? Not many doctors in my area use this inplant for some reason. I believe this type of inplant may be an answer to my metal allergy problem.

If you are familiar with the Aesculap knee can you recommend a doctor who uses this type of implant if it is a good implant?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ceramic-only and Ceramic-gold knees

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Thanks for the query

I have read your query.

Aesculap knees have Zirconium coating which can be problematic for you if you have severe allergy to Zirconium.

You can try to consult with your Surgeon regarding Ceramic only knees and Ceramic with Gold coating which are good for revision surgeries with hardly any allergic reaction.

Ceramic knees are available in Europe under BIOLOX implants.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr.Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (31 minutes later)

Thank you. Would I have to go to Europe for a surgery. How do I find a doctor who works with a BIOLOX implant? Are they used in this country at all. If the aren't, why not? Thanks. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not FDA approved yet for USA

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I'm afraid so. Ceramic knee Arthroplasty implants haven't yet been approved by the FDA for use in the United States of XXXXXXX You can find out from your Surgeon if he has experience in performing with these implants.

Studies have proved that ceramic knees are very helpful in patients who have allergy to Nickel, Vanadium, Chromium and Molybdenum.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (32 minutes later)

Thank you. I would not know how to locate a doctor in Europe so I guess that will be out of the question. I wonder why the FDA has not approved the ceramic implant?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible industry pressure

Detailed Answer:
Ceramic knees have been doing wonderfully in Japan and Europe with excellent results for more than 20 years.

The FDA has not yet approved for Ceramic knee inland because of possible industry pressure or other reasons not known to the public.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 minutes later)

I see. I think that we have two conversations going here. I sent the copies of the MRI's on both my knees to you a few minutes ago on the other conversation. Thank you so much for your response.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Right knee fine. Left needs surgery

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the MRI reports of both your knees.

Your left knee has a cartilage tear and arthritis as well necessitating a knee replacement or atleast arthroscopic debridement.

Right knee MRI appears fine. Aspiration of the right knee fluid can be sent for testing for infection.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng