Surgical implants such as "biodegradable" ACL screws causing CFS symptoms

[drob31]

We report a case of a systemic allergic reaction to biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) interference screws after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. A 30-year-old patient complained of certain symptoms, such as an inability to focus mentally, rash on the right femur, chronic fatigue, decreased sex drive, and localized alopecia, 3 months after ACL reconstruction in the right knee. Two biodegradable PLLA interference screws had been used for proximal and distal graft fixation. Allergy testing showed a value of 7 in PLLA antigen. After removal of 1 screw in August 2000, the patient reported marked improvement, but some symptoms remained. In July 2001 he underwent arthroscopic revision ACL reconstruction with hamstrings via an implant-free technique with intensive debridement of the tunnels and removal of all scar tissue and screw rests. All symptoms disappeared, and the PLLA antigen number fell from 3 to "concentrate" 2 months postoperatively.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18514119


I've had this procedure done, and my symptoms started 2 months post OP, so I thought it was interesting.

 

[Valentijn]

I don't think it's accurate to characterize those symptoms as being "CFS symptoms." Chronic fatigue is present in a huge number of diseases, and not particularly relevant to ME/CFS. And of course, we don't get localized rashes or hair loss.

 

[Sea]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18514119


I've had this procedure done, and my symptoms started 2 months post OP, so I thought it was interesting.

It is interesting drob31, and certainly worth following up for you. It would be wonderful to hear that you have something curable.