Allergic reaction to stainless steel sternotomy wires requiring removal: A case report and literature review

Med J Malaysia. 2016 Jun;71(3):142-3.

Abstract

Hypersensitivity to stainless steel sternal sutures are an uncommon occurrence. We present a case of such a patient who developed chronic tissue overgranulation over a sternotomy wound eight weeks post-operatively. Primary suspicion was infection, a more common complication however radiological and laboratory investigation showed otherwise. Conservative management provided limited ephemeral success. After ensuring adequate sternal bone healing, the sutures and granulation tissue were eventually surgically removed without complication and the reoperated wound healed well.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Wires
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stainless Steel / adverse effects*
  • Sternotomy*
  • Sternum

Substances

  • Stainless Steel