PMC4387939_01
Clinical photograph of the discoloured soft tissue and large effusion secondary to metallosis in the replaced knee.
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fig1
A 74-year-old woman presented to her GP with a two-year history of increasing skin discolouration, pain, and swelling over the anterior left knee (Figure 1) with an anterior longitudinal midline surgical scar.
Lateral radiograph of the replaced knee demonstrates the loose patella prosthesis and surrounding osteolysis.
CRIOR2015-891904.002.jpg
PMC4387939_01_CRIOR2015-891904.002.jpg
fig2
The adverse reaction to metal debris, termed metallosis, may cause loosening/osteolysis of prostheses (Figure 2) secondary to metallic corrosion and release of metal wear debris.