A patient with an orthopedic implant may develop signs of cobalt intoxication.
Features of cobalt poisoning associated with an orthopedic hardware:
(1) presence of an orthopedic implant containing a cobalt alloy
(2) corrosion of the prosthesis due to inflammation, irritation or mechanical instability involving the prosthesis
(3) signs and symptoms of cobalt intoxication (see previous section)
(4) elevated serum cobalt concentration
(5) normalization of the cobalt levels after replacement of the implant
(6) exclusion of other explanations for the signs and symptoms
The differential diagnosis includes an allergic reaction to the metals in the prosthesis.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
