Mid- to long-term functional outcome and return to sport after elbow dislocation in bouldering: a clinical retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic elbow dislocations are among the most common injuries in sport climbing. They occur most frequently in bouldering (a climbing discipline with strong upward trend often performed indoors) due to the typical low-height backward fall into crashpads. There is still no data about the functional outcome and return to sport of this typical bouldering injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All Patients with elbow dislocations due to a bouldering associated fall between 2011 and 2020 were identified retrospectively in our level I trauma centre. Trauma mechanisms, injury types and therapies were obtained. Follow-up was performed with an online questionnaire including sports-related effects, return to sport and the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS). RESULTS: 30 patients with elbow dislocations after bouldering accidents were identified. In 22 (73.3%) patients the injury was a simple dislocation. The questionnaire was completed by 20 patients. The leading mechanism was a low-height fall into crashpads. Surgical procedures were performed in every second patient. 18 patients (90%) reported return to bouldering after 4.7 ± 2.1 months. 12 patients (66.7%) regained their pre-injury level. Mid-/Long-term follow-up (mean 105 ± 37.5 months) showed excellent results in ESAS score (97.2 ± 3.9 points). Persistent limited range of motion or instability was reported by only 3 patients (15%). CONCLUSION: Most athletes are able to return to bouldering but only two thirds regain their pre-injury performance level in this demanding upper-extremity sport. The unique low-height trauma mechanism may create a false sense of security. Specific awareness and safety features should be placed for climbing athletes to reduce elbow injuries.

Successful therapy of complex regional pain syndrome after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome is a neuropathic pain disorder associated with ongoing pain that persists beyond the usual expected tissue healing time and that is disproportionate to the degree of tissue injury present. Complex regional pain syndrome after hip arthroscopy has not been reported before. Hip arthroscopy is a fast-growing domain that could lead to an increasing number of complex regional pain syndrome cases, probably owing to the high traction forces that are necessary. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 30-year-old German female semiprofessional tennis player who presented with complex regional pain syndrome type I in the lower leg 3 weeks after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with suture anchor labral repair and femoroplasty. After 2 months of immediate multimodal conservative therapy including administration of gabapentin, prompt full weight-bearing, and intensified physiotherapy, complete recovery was achieved. CONCLUSION: Complex regional pain syndrome does occur after elective hip arthroscopy. Disproportionate postoperative pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of complex regional pain syndrome should be promptly evaluated and treated through a multimodal approach. Postless hip arthroscopy may be advantageous.

An interleukin-1 polymorphism additionally intensified by atopy as prognostic factor for aseptic non-mechanical complications in metal knee and hip arthroplasty.

Background: In contrast to infection or mechanical issues joint replacement failure following inflammatory adverse reactions is poorly understood. Objective: To assess the association of IL-1ß polymorphisms and history of allergy with aseptic non-mechanical complications following arthroplasty. Methods: In 102 patients with aseptic non-mechanically caused symptomatic knee or hip arthroplasty (SA) and 93 patients with asymptomatic arthroplasty (AA) questionnaire-based history, patch test with at least standard series, lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) with nickel, cobalt and chromium and interleukin-1 polymorphism analysis were done. Three polymorphisms of the IL1B gene [IL-1b -3954 (rs1143634), IL-1b -511 (rs16944) and IL-1b -31 (rs1143627)] and one polymorphism of the IL1RN gene [IL1RN intron 2, variable number of tandem repeats, VNTR (rs2234663)] were assessed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Results: We found no significant difference in smoking history and atopy but 25% versus 10% of self-reported metal allergy in SA versus AA; the patch test (respective, LTT) for metal sensitivity was more often positive in SA patients. The allele 498 bp of the IL1RN polymorphism occurred significantly more often in the SA group (37% versus 11%; p < 0.0001). Upon additional presence of atopy, the difference was even greater (60% vs 10%) (p < 0.000001). There was no association of IL-1 polymorphisms with metal allergy. Conclusion: The IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp was strongly associated with SA. In patients with a history of atopy, presence of the IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp led to a four-fold higher SA prevalence compared to patients without this allele.

Injury incidence and specific injury patterns in app-based bodyweight training (Freeletics): results of an international survey with 3668 participants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze incidences and sport-specific injury patterns among users of a bodyweight-based training method instructed by a smartphone app (Freeletics Bodyweight App). METHODS: An online questionnaire based on current validated epidemiological observation methods was designed using the statistic website Surveymonkey. Subscribers of the Freeletics Bodyweight App were contacted via an online link. Injury incidence, defined as an event leading to a training pause of at least 1 day, was recorded. The type of injury was reported and classified. Furthermore, all participants were asked whether they recognized any positive or negative effects on their subjective health status. The collected data were analyzed using Surveymonkey statistic services. RESULTS: A total of 4365 Freeletics users responded to the questionnaire, 3668 completed forms were subject of further investigation. The injury period prevalence reported by users of the Freeletics App was 24% in men and 21% in women. The most frequently reported site of injury was the shoulder (29%) and the knee joint (28%), with strains (28.5%) and other muscle injuries (14.4%) being the most frequently reported types of injuries. An injury incidence rate of 4.57 per 1000 h was calculated, with injuries occurring less frequently in experienced users. Most participants reported a distinct positive effect of the app-based training on their health status. CONCLUSION: In comparison to other sports activities app-based bodyweight training is associated with a comparably low injury period prevalence. The vast majority of injuries were reported to have resolved within one week.

[Avulsion injuries of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles]. / Avulsionsverletzungen des M. glutaeus medius und M. glutaeus minimus.

Avulsion injuries of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Such injuries are rarely to be expected in high-energy trauma. Degenerative damage or iatrogenic injuries in the context of hip surgery are more frequently identified as the cause. Clinically, in addition to lateral hip pain, limping is an important finding and depends on the extent of the tendon damage. In addition to the medical history and clinical examination, imaging by means of sonography and, above all, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, possibly with artifact-reduced sequences in the presence of an endoprosthesis) are diagnostically groundbreaking. Therapeutically, a stepwise approach is indicated according to the extent of rupture and quality of the gluteal tendon and muscle tissues. Specific conservative training regimens, mini-open/endoscopic anatomic reconstruction techniques in cases of gluteal muscle integrity and muscle transfer techniques as salvage option with chronic mass ruptures are available. The common goal is the restoration of everyday occupational and private activities to regain the quality of life.

[Gluteal insufficiency]. / Gluteale Insuffizienz.

Gluteal insufficiency or hip abductor mechanism deficiency mainly following (revision) total hip replacement is associated with highly painful complaints and severe suffering of patients. It represents a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Differentiated conservative treatment pathways, open surgical and endoscopic anatomic repair techniques with intact gluteal musculature and muscle transfer are available as salvage procedures for chronic not anatomically reconstructable mass ruptures. A stepwise diagnostic and therapeutic approach is required for restoration of the quality of life and painless or almost painless mobility of affected patients in occupation and daily life.

Retrograde fixation of the lesser trochanter in the adolescent: new surgical technique and clinical results of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Avulsions of the lesser femoral trochanter are rare injuries in the adolescent population. An acute avulsion causes severe functional impairment with compromised hip flexion. Recent literature reports the superiority of surgical treatment for apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis in adolescents. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines for an evidence-based treatment of lesser trochanter avulsions established. We present the cases of two adolescent athletes treated operatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two adolescent males, 12 and 16 years old, suffered an avulsion of the lesser trochanter during soccer. They reported immobilizing groin pain with subjective impairment in daily activities and inability to perform sports. Surgical treatment with a new retrograde technique by applying an adapted mini-open anterior approach was performed. Intraoperatively, both cases showed an intact musculo-tendinous unit attached to the avulsed fragment. RESULTS: Both patients showed excellent postoperative results and were satisfied with the clinical outcome. In the postoperative follow-up an adequate consolidation of the lesser trochanter was visible. No complications were postoperatively reported at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The retrograde fixation technique has led to an excellent outcome without complications in two adolescents with acute lesser trochanter apophyseal avulsions. Further clinical use may support the value of this new surgical technique.

[Surgical refixation of gluteal tendon tears by mini-open double-row technique]. / Knotenlose Doppelreihenrefixation bei Glutealsehnenruptur.

OBJECTIVE: Stable refixation of gluteal tendons at the anatomic footprint by large-area contact by the means of knotless double-row anchor fixation (HipBridge technique). INDICATIONS: Symptomatic tear of gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendon with persisting pain after nonsurgical treatment, or primarily reconstructable mass rupture with gluteal insufficiency, revision surgeries. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Primary nonreconstructable mass ruptures, atrophic or fatty degeneration of gluteal muscles grade Goutallier 4, local infections. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral position, longitudinal skin incision over greater trochanter, longitudinal incision of iliotibial band, resection of trochanteric subgluteus maximus bursa, longitudinal splitting of gluteal tendons over tear, debridement and mobilisation of tendons for sufficient distalisation to tendon footprint at anterior and lateral trochanteric facet, debridement of sclerotic greater trochanter, punching and tapping of proximal row, placement of two proximal anchors loaded with nonresorbable suture tape, fan-shaped four times gluteal tendon perforation at myotendinous transition zone, double-V-shape crossing of suture tapes, punching and tapping of distal row, fixation of crossed tapes with two distal knotless suture anchors under mild pretensioning of gluteal tendons, side-to-side tendon suture, vastogluteal and iliotibial band closure, wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Stage-dependent physiotherapy with partial weight-bearing with 20 kg for 6 weeks, no active abduction, no adduction and no external rotation in flexion for 6 weeks after surgery. From week 7 after surgery, free range of motion, active-assisted abduction and increase in weight-bearing by 15 kg/week. No peak load for 4 months. Thromboembolic prophylaxis until full weight-bearing is reached. RESULTS: Success rates of 80-90% can be expected in cases with no or only minor muscle atrophy.

[Surgical therapy of ischiofemoral impingement by lateralizing intertrochanteric osteotomy]. / Chirurgische Therapie des ischiofemoralen Impingements mittels lateralisierender intertrochantärer Korrekturosteotomie.

OBJECTIVE: Lateralizing, derotating intertrochanteric varus osteotomy to increase the ischiofemoral space to counter painful impingement of the lesser trochanter and the os ischium with resulting entrapment of quadratus femoris muscle. INDICATIONS: Symptomatic ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) caused by Coxa valga et antetorta, Coxa valga or Coxa antetorta, or a short femoral neck. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Anatomic configuration suggestive of IFI in asymptomatic patients. Symptomatic IFI caused by another underlying pathology. Valgus deformity of the knee. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Measurement of femoral antetorsion. Planning of the osteotomy, lateralization, varus angle for correction, rotation and offset correction, leg length change, and osteosynthesis plate. General or spinal anesthesia in supine or lateral position. Skin incision (15 cm) beginning lateral of the greater trochanter tip, distally along the axis of the femur. Preparation onto the femur by L­shaped dissection of the vastus lateralis from the bone. A Kirschner(K-)wire is then positioned along the anterior femoral neck to designate the femoral neck antetorsion. A triangle set on the lateral femoral cortexis is used to determine the osteotomy angle. In the thus determined angle, a second K­wire is shot centrally along the femoral neck axis just inferior to its cranial cortex. About 5 mm distal to the second wire, the entry for the blade is prepared using a drill. Using the blade setting instrument, the blade is introduced into the femoral neck, then slightly pulled back. The rotation is then marked on the anterior femoral cortex proximal and distal to the planned osteotomy and the osteotomy is performed. A blade plate without displacement is impacted. The osteotomy is then reduced, the distal fragment pulled laterally onto the plate, and the screws inserted after compression of the osteotomy with a tension device. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Touch-toe bearing for 6 weeks, then radiological assessment of osteotomy healing before an increase in weight bearing (15 kg/week). Hip flexion limited to 90° for 6 weeks. Elective implant removal after 12-18 months. RESULTS: Studies of this lateralizing varus osteotomy have not been published. The 25-year results of the conventional derotating intertrochanteric varus osteotomy technique show good functional results and low complication rates, with non-union being the most common. Arthroscopic resection of the lesser trochanter has been reported as a surgical alternative in the treatment of IFI in case reports and small series. Advantages of the osteotomy are the restoration of biomechanics and preservation of iliopsoas tendon insertion.

[Endoprosthetic tumor replacement : Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism and complications]. / Tumorendoprothetik : Rekonstruktion des Streckapparates und Komplikationen.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the extensor mechanism around the knee is an essential part of tumorresection and tumor arthroplasty in orthopaedic oncology for functional rehabilitation of quality of life and daily activities. OBJECTIVES: Operative procedures, treatment options and management of complications with reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after tumor resection around the knee depend on the type of arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Description of the different treatment option for extensor deficiency divided into infra- and suprapatellar modalities. RESULTS: The operative procedure is always an individual decision depending on the size of the tumor and its localisation. The extensor mechanism is reconstructed with autogenic, allogenic or synthetic material in combination with tumor arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Extensor reconstruction (supra-/infrapatellar) is an essential part of tumor resection and tumor arthroplasty around the knee. Often, low functional results and high levels of complications (arthrofibrosis, rerupture extensor mechanism, periprosthetic joint infection) are seen in these highly demanding cases in orthopaedic oncology.

[Hip arthroscopy]. / Hüftarthroskopie.

Hip arthroscopy represents an important component in the treatment of diseases of the hip joint and is nowadays an indispensible tool in modern hip-preserving surgery. This article provides a review of the basic technical principles, typical indications and complications of hip arthroscopy. Furthermore, current developments as well as possibilities and limitations of the arthroscopic technique are reviewed.

[Epidemiology and prevention of prosthetic joint infection]. / Epidemiologie und Prophylaxe periprothetischer Infektionen.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging for patients and orthopedic surgeons and represents a great economic burden to the health care system. The growing number of primary and revision arthroplasty procedures in an aging society with demographic changes will increase the number of PJIs in the future. AIM: This article presents an overview of the epidemiology and prevention of PJI. METHOD: A selective literature review was performed focusing on evidence-based epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention of PJI. RESULTS: The total number of primary arthroplasty and septic revision procedures is increasing. The incidence of PJI is constant, although surgical techniques have improved over the years, with a multitude of possible preventive procedures for use before surgical treatment. This is most likely due to the increasing comorbidities and individual risk factors of the patient. Both endogenous and exogenous risk factors are known to be associated with PJI. Endogenous risk factors include diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression, oncological diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, previous or chronic infections, and bacteriuria. Exogenous risk factors include the extended duration of the operation, blood transfusion, and hypothermia. However, the facilities in the operating theatre or the use of iodine-impregnated incision drape seem to have no influence on the incidence of PJI. PROSPECT: The increasing number of arthroplasty procedures and the static incidence of PJI will result in an increase in the total number of PJIs in the next few years. In particular, the costs to the health care system of the treatment of PJI will emphasize further the need for the prevention of PJI. Individual risk factors should be optimized before arthroplasty requiring a close cooperation between the general practitioner and the orthopedic specialist.

[Septic endoprosthesis exchange : Preoperative diagnosis and reimplantation]. / Septischer Endoprothesenwechsel : Präoperative Diagnostik und Reimplantation.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is truly challenging. Patients with infected arthroplasty face physical and psychosocial problems. Furthermore, treatment costs represent a tremendous socioeconomic burden. AIM: This article presents an overview of the preoperative diagnosis of PJI and one- or two-stage endoprosthetic exchange options. METHOD: A selective literature search was performed focusing on diagnostics and innovative surgical treatment concepts in PJI. RESULTS: The identification of the underlying pathogen is still the main focus in the diagnosis of PJI. State-of-the-art therapy for PJI with mature biofilm consists of implant removal with one- or two-stage exchange arthroplasty. One-stage exchange offers lower morbidity and improved functional outcome, whereas a two-stage procedure is, according to current knowledge, more favourable in terms of infection control. The novel short-term two-stage exchange regimen combines the advantages of both possibilities. DISCUSSION: Prosthetic joint infection represents a significant challenge for the othopaedic surgeon. Novel treatment options can help to improve outcome and lower the costs to the health care system.

[Synovial biomarkers for differential diagnosis of painful arthroplasty]. / Synoviale Biomarker für die Differenzialdiagnostik der schmerzhaften Endoprothese.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remain true clinical challenges. PJI diminishes therapeutic success, causes dissatisfaction for the patient and medical staff, and often requires extensive surgical revision(s). At the present time, an extensive multimodal algorithmic approach is used to avoid time- and cost-consuming diagnostic aberrations. However, especially in the case of the frequent and clinically most relevant "low-grade" PJI, the current diagnostic "gold standard" has reached its limits. EVALUATION: Synovial biomarkers are thought to close this diagnostic gap, hopefully enabling the safe differentiation among aseptic, (chronic) septic, implant allergy-related and the arthrofibrotic genesis of symptomatic arthroplasty. Therefore, joint aspiration for obtaining synovial fluid is preferred over surgical synovial tissue biopsy because of the faster results, greater practicability, greater patient safety, and lower costs. In addition to the parameters synovial IL-6, CRP, and leukocyte esterase, novel biomarkers such as antimicrobial peptides and other proinflammatory cytokines are currently highlighted because of their very high to excellent diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: Independent multicenter validation studies are required to show whether a set of different innovative synovial fluid biomarkers rather than a few single parameters is favorable for a safe "one-stop shop" differential diagnosis of PJI.

Bilateral cartilage T2 mapping 9 years after Mega-OATS implantation at the knee: a quantitative 3T MRI study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphological and quantitative MR findings 9 years after autograft transfer of the posterior femoral condyle (Mega-OATS) and to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes. Quantitative MR measurements were also obtained of the contralateral knee and the utility as reference standard was investigated. DESIGN: Both knees of 20 patients with Mega-OATS osteochondral repair at the medial femoral condyle (MFC) were studied using 3T MRI 9 years after the procedure. MR-sequences included morphological sequences and a 2D multislice multiecho (MSME) spin echo (SE) sequence for quantitative cartilage T2 mapping. Cartilage segmentation was performed at the cartilage repair site and six additional knee compartments. Semi-quantitative MR observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scores and clinical Lysholm scores were obtained. Paired t-tests and Spearman correlations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Global T2-values were significantly higher at ipsilateral knees compared to contralateral knees (42.1 ± 3.0 ms vs 40.4 ± 2.6 ms, P = 0.018). T2-values of the Mega-OATS site correlated significantly with MOCART scores (R = -0.64, P = 0.006). The correlations between MOCART and Lysholm scores and between absolute T2-values and Lysholm scores were not significant (P > 0.05). However, higher T2 side-to-side differences at the femoral condyles correlated significantly with more severe clinical symptoms (medial, R = -0.53, P = 0.030; lateral, R = -0.51, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Despite long-term survival, 9 years after Mega-OATS procedures, T2-values of the grafts were increased compared to contralateral knees. Clinical scores correlated best with T2 side-to-side differences of the femoral condyles, indicating that intraindividual adjustment may be beneficial for outcome evaluation.

[Bent titanium elastic nail in clavicular non-union. Case report and review of the literature]. / Verbogener elastischer Titannagel bei Klavikulapseudarthrose. Fallbericht mit Literaturübersicht.

Fractures of the clavicle can often be treated conservatively. For severely dislocated but simple fractures in which conservative treatment often fails, intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nails (TEN) shows similar results to stable plate osteosynthesis. We present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who had been treated with TEN osteosynthesis 4 years previously but clavicular non-union developed. Due to a new traumatic incident, the implanted intramedullary titanium nail was bent and migrated into the manubrium sterni. We were able to remove the wire and stable plate osteosynthesis was carried out. Bending and migration of titanium wires used in clavicular fractures are relatively rare complications and patients must be informed accordingly. These complications can be avoided by removal of the wire 3-12 months after implantation when the fracture has healed.

[Operative management of clavicular non-union : Iliac crest bone graft and anatomic locking compression plate]. / Operative Therapie der Klavikulapseudarthrose : Beckenkammaugmentation und anatomische winkelstabile Platte.

OBJECTIVE: The objective in treating clavicular non-union is an anatomic reconstruction of the clavicle with an iliac crest bone graft and anatomic locking compression plates. INDICATIONS: Non-union or bony defects of the clavicle larger than 1.5 cm. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Any suspicion of infection, elevated risk of transplant necrosis or recurrent non-union due to concomitant disease, medication, cigarette smoking (>10 cig./d), poor therapeutic compliance regarding specific postoperative management and poor physical status. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Patient in beach chair position with a flexible affected arm. An longitudinal skin incision is made below the clavicle with subsequent incision through the clavipectoral fascia and the periosteum, complex multidimensional osteotomy of the clavicle with medial and lateral axial correction of the pseudarthrosis up to vital bone, harvesting of a tricortical iliac crest bone graft with the size measured in preoperative computed tomography (CT) according to the length of the healthy contralateral clavicle. Final shaping of the iliac crest bone graft regarding the future clavicular position, positioning of the anatomic plate (LCP superior anterior clavicle plate with or without lateral extension, Depuy Synthes, Umkirch, Germany) and drilling and screw insertion under radiological guidance. If necessary additional attachment of the iliac crest bone graft with suture cerclage (FiberWire, Arthrex, Karlsfeld, Germany) or screw should be carried out. A final radiological examination and hemostasis of the iliac crest with a Lyostypt collagen hemostatic fleece and the clavicle. Drains might be needed and wound closure layer by layer with sutures. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Arm sling protection for 6 weeks with physiotherapeutic exercises and increased range of motion every 2 weeks and unrestricted range of motion from week 7 onwards. Full weight bearing is not allowed before week 12 and X-ray examinations to confirm bone healing should be done 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively. Implant removal at an earliest time point of 2 years can be performed when full osseous integration of the graft is radiologically confirmed. RESULTS: At our department 10 consecutive patients suffering from clavicular non-union have been treated with this technique with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. All patients showed anatomic restoration of the radiologically confirmed healed clavicle with very good patient satisfaction.

[Characteristics of 200 patients with suspected implant allergy compared to 100 symptom-free arthroplasty patients]. / Charakteristika von 200 Patienten mit Verdacht auf Implantatallergie im Vergleich zu 100 beschwerdefreien Endoprothesenträgern.

BACKGROUND: Data on implant allergies are incomplete; therefore, we compared the data on allergy history, patch test (PT) and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) results in a patient series from the Munich implant allergy outpatient department with symptom-free arthroplasty patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study 200 arthroplasty patients with complaints involving the prosthesis (130 female, 187 knee and 13 hip prostheses) and in parallel 100 symptom-free patients (75 female, 47 knee and 53 hip prostheses) were investigated. A questionnaire-aided history including implant type, cementing, intolerance of dental materials, atopy, cutaneous metal intolerance (CMI) and PT, including a standard series with Ni, Co, Cr, seven bone cement components, including gentamicin and benzoyl peroxide and LTT for Ni, Co and Cr. RESULTS: In the knee arthroplasty patients with complaints 9.1% showed dental material intolerance, 23.5% atopy, 25.7% CMI, 18.2% metal allergies, 7.4% gentamicin allergy and 27.8% positive metal LTT (mostly to Ni). In symptom-free patients 0% showed dental material intolerance, 19.1% atopy, 12.8% CMI, 12.8% metal allergy, 0% gentamicin allergy and 17% positive metal LTT. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of the patients with complaints were increased intolerance of dental materials, higher rates of atopy, CMI, metal and gentamicin allergy and LTT reactivity.