Is Allergy to Titanium Bone Fixation Plates a Problem?

Abstract

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with titanium fixation plates is the gold standard for maxillofacial fracture treatment. Titanium is considered a fully compatible material. However, reports of allergic reactions to titanium implants do occur. The aim of this work is to answer the question whether titanium devices used in the treatment of fractures in the craniofacial region can cause allergic reactions. The study comprised 50 subjects treated surgically for maxillofacial injuries with the use of titanium composite devices. Allergic tests were performed by the patch method. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people who did not have any titanium elements. There were no skin changes to titanium and its compounds in both the test and control groups. Only one patient had a positive skin test which showed an allergic reaction to silver nitrate. Titanium fixing elements, as well as titanium dental implants, according to our research, do not show allergic skin reactions.

Systemic allergic contact dermatitis to palladium, platinum, and titanium: mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevalence, and therapeutic approaches

“…Ti or Ti alloys are widely used in medical devices (e.g., orthopedic surgery, dentistry, and cardiology in pacemaker housings and cardiovascular stents) as an alternative to Ni, chromium, and cobalt, which many patients rely on. Ti is used in patients who have an allergic reaction to Ni, chromium, and cobalt elements 119–123 . Furthermore, Ti is used in jewelry and as a white pigment (TiO 2 ) in personal health care products such as toothpaste, cosmetics, and sunscreen, 124,125 and therefore daily human exposure to Ti is increasing 126,127 .…”

“…Ti is used in patients who have an allergic reaction to Ni, chromium, and cobalt elements. 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 Furthermore, Ti is used in jewelry and as a white pigment (TiO 2 ) in personal health care products such as toothpaste, cosmetics, and sunscreen, 124 , 125 and therefore daily human exposure to Ti is increasing. 126 , 127 Ti is combined with a variety of other elements to produce strong lightweight alloys that provide corrosion resistance and exhibit very high strength/density ratios.…”