Necrobiosis and T-lymphocyte infiltration in retrieved aseptically loosened metal-on-polyethylene arthroplasties

Abstract

Synovial necrobiosis and infiltration of T-lymphocytes are common findings in tissues around aseptically loosened metal-on-polyethylene arthroplasty in patients without a clinically suspected metal hypersensitivity reaction. Thus, neither necrobiosis nor infiltration of T-lymphocytes should be considered to be specific for failed metal-on-metal bearings or metal hypersensitivity reaction.