Metal Allergy - Substitutions During Neurosurgery

[ampky]

I had neurosurgery in 2005 (to remove a burst cavernoma that caused a stroke) and have drastically declined in health (and have added intense neuropathy, extreme fatigue and loss of balance from vertigo). In place of bone, titanium alloy mesh and screws were used.  After a MELISA test was performed, after my persistance, it was discovered that I have an allergy to titanium dioxide (which I know is in the implant), titanium chloride and silver.

My Neurosurgeon, where I had a 3-5 minute exam, said,"Sure I can remove it, but it can't be replaced so you'll have a soft there, have a risk of chronic headaches, infections and possibly a CSF leak. I would advise against it." (My Neurologist, who I've seen 3+ years said I should consider it.)  This has caused GREAT controversy in my family for my parents don't want me to have another surgery, but I do considering a chance of being better and my worsening condition almost mirroring that of an implant/metal allergy.

Can't something made of polyeurothane or ceramic and "bone glue" be used as a substitute for the titanium alloy mesh and screws?

Thank you for your time!

[LVGirlRN]

Why cant your Neurosurgeon get a custom bone piece made from Cadaver Bone??? Its a simple common sense solution. These cadaver bone pieces can also be used as skull flaps in patients for brain surgery where risk of brain swelling is a problem. Your skull can be wired or sutured to the cadaver bone. Doctors need to think outside the box sometimes. Unfortunately it usually takes a teaching hospital for medical personnel to think outside thebox.... or a Nurse like me :). I also have metalallergy from a spinal implant that has caused high levels of Cobalt, Aluminum & Molybdenum. Im pending a FIFTH surgery to remove the remaining hardware.My life has been HELL for SEVEN years!!  I have suffered hypothyroid, adrenal failure, pseudotumor in spine next to metal, my kidneys are now being affected AND MY SIGHT! Metal exposure, especially chronic AND metal allergy has serious consequences to your health!! Its YOUR DECISION! Its your life!  Its your body! PLEASE ask the manufacturer of your device for a list of ALL metals in your hardware NOT JUST THE METAL ALLOYS! Metal alloys are composed of several different metals AND there are many different alloys too! Test your blood and urine for all the metals in your hardware. Then get your blood tested at ORTHOPEDIC ANALYSIS. They have a website. You need a doctor order. Get your primary doctor or Neurosurgeon to write an ordr for Quest Labs for blood and urine levels and then an order for the Orthopedic Implant and Bone Matrix Protein Analysis Panel #2 and get it done asap. Then ask Neurosurgeon about cadaver bone. Dont know where you are but UCI has a good Brain Tumor Center where they perform all sorts of brain surgeries. Look it up online.You can email them questions or request an appt in CA. Good luck! I KNOW what you are going thru and Im sorry for you.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi there,

Titanium mesh is the most commonly used material in neurosurgery. Bone adhesives have been used especially in pediatric age group.
It also depends on the size of the area that needs to be filled, if it is large bone gap it will not fuse with bony adhesive.
Thanks