TCM treatment of allergy induced by stainless steel implants for tibiofibular fracture: A case report

Background: Metal allergy is frequently seen. Orthopedic metal implants, such as external fixators or other stainless implants, contain chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, which can cause type IV hypersensitivity. Case summary: A patient diagnosed with open comminuted tibiofibular fracture was treated with external fixation surgery, and she showed contact dermatitis and eczema-like symptoms 2 weeks postoperatively. She was then diagnosed as allergic to several metals by patch test and subsequently treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), both orally and externally for 1 month. TCM treatment significantly alleviated the hypersensitive symptoms and made the patient bear the external fixator for 2 months until bone union. Conclusion: TCM therapy may be an effective treatment for external fixation-induced metal allergy and contact dermatitis.