Question: Three years ago I had a screw put in big knuckle on index finger to repair a torn ligament. Surgery went well, repair great. I developed lots and lots of scar tissue which resulted in constant swelling, pain, and loss of motion. Last year they went back in and cleaned out the site and freed up the tendon that was a bit bound from scarring. During surgery I had 100% range of motion, up from the 40% before I went in. About a month into physical therapy things started to go down hill. Same thing, constant swelling, pain and losing motion. Now, a year later, I have very little motion, my index finger naturally stays a bit bent, I have pain and constant swelling. I have had an ultra sound, xray and mri. Things look good except for the inflammation and thickening. I have been to my surgeon and two other hand specialists to see if anyone can figure this out. No answers. Then I suddenly realized that I have had reactions to metals in the past. Jewlery, snaps on pants, etc. Went to allergist. Very allergic to nickel. She said my knuckle is most likely an allergic reaction to the nickle in the implant which I now know only contains 1-2% nickel. Surgeon says he doesn't know for sure and the only way to find out it to remove the screw. He also says he has found no other reason for my present condition so maybe that is the reason. Trying to decide if it's worth it to go through the surgery and the painful, long recovery again. I am an active 50 year old woman. I do landscaping for work and my hand hurts every day. i go to the gym and can't wrap my finger around weights. Also when there is any pressure on the underside of knuckle, like using a shovel or holding weights, it is very painful and sometimes get numbness in finger. Just looking for more insight on my issues to help me decide about surgery. Thanks.

Thank you. Have you done this procedure or know about any that were performed. What was the outcome? I have been looking online on the web for any write ups about this condition and haven't been able to find anything that really relates to me. I found plenty on heart stints but nothing just specific to reaction right around screw in a hand. Can you guide me to any info? In my decision to have surgery it would be reassuring to be able to read or hear about any successes or failures with this procedure relating specifically to the metal allergy. Thanks.