Ultrasonographic and Radiographic Findings of Polyethylene Component Displacement with Severe Metallosis and Metal-Induced Synovitis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Shane Mallon Kyle Bussis Zachary Beswick Trevor North Steven Soliman
Henry Ford Health System
05-01-2019
Aseptic loosening and wear of arthroplasty is second to only infection as the most common complication of arthroplasty failure. Degeneration of the polyethylene and metal arthroplasty components can l..
Aseptic loosening and wear of arthroplasty is second to only infection as the most common complication of arthroplasty failure. Degeneration of the polyethylene and metal arthroplasty components can lead to metallosis, which can cause a combination of direct cytotoxic effects and an inflammatory response within the synovial and periarticular tissues. This can result in bone resorption and secondary arthroplasty component loosening as well as a metal containing joint effusion and metal-induced synovitis. Little literature exists as to the ultrasonographic findings of metal-induced synovitis and polyethylene component displacement. As the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound significantly increases, being aware of these findings is important. The following is a case report that demonstrates the ultrasonographic imaging findings of metallosis, metal-induced synovitis and polyethylene component displacement. We will also demonstrate the ultrasound-guided aspiration findings as well as radiographic and gross pathologic correlations.