Question: 

Can you get a joint replacement if you have a nickel allergy?

Answer from Nebraska Medicine orthopaedic surgeon Beau Kildow, MD:

Yes. If you have a nickel allergy, you can still get a joint replacement.

Many joint replacement implants are made from materials such as titanium and cobalt chromium. Some cobalt chromium implants contain a very small amount of nickel. Because of this, it's important to tell your surgeon if you've ever had a reaction to nickel jewelry, watches, belt buckles or other metal items.

While nickel allergies are fairly common, reactions to joint replacement implants are rare. One reason is that the implant is placed inside the body rather than sitting on top of the skin, where nickel allergies typically occur. 

Even when a patient has pain or swelling after surgery, it's often difficult to know whether the symptoms are related to the small amount of nickel in the implant.

If you have a known nickel allergy, your surgeon may recommend a nickel-free implant. These implants are available and can help avoid concerns about a possible allergic reaction.

The decision about which implant is best depends on your medical history, allergy history and the type of joint replacement you need. Your orthopaedic surgeon can help you understand your options and choose the implant that's right for you.

Before your joint replacement, be sure to tell your care team if you:

• Have experienced a skin rash or allergic reaction from jewelry or metal accessories.
• Have been diagnosed with a nickel allergy by a health care provider.
• Have concerns about the materials used in joint replacement implants.

Being open about your allergies helps your surgical team plan ahead and choose the safest option for you.

Thinking about joint replacement surgery?

Talk with your orthopaedic surgeon about any allergies or concerns you have before your procedure. Together, you can discuss implant options and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.